Big Rigs Apr 2, 2021 by Prime Creative Media

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

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2 NEWS CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, 0414 797 513 Truckin in the Topics: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Ian Lee Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. All material is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or means. The opinions expressed in Big Rigs are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher.

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Load consigner charged over truck rollover

THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has charged a Victorian company with serious safety offences after a truck rolled onto a pedestrian island crossing. The truck was loaded with a shipping container carrying 26 tonnes of imported timber plywood products when it rolled in Dandenong on November 11, 2019. The load’s consignor has been charged with exposing drivers, unloaders and members of the public to the risk of death or serious injury by failing to comply with sections 26G and 26H of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The case is the first prosecution of a consignor by the

THE LAW WAS NOW CLEAR THAT EVERYONE INVOLVED IN HEAVY VEHICLE TRANSPORT HAD A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC. RAY HASSALL

NHVR following the 2018 amendment of the Heavy Vehicle National Law which made all parties in the supply chain part of the Chain of Respon-

sibility, with a shared duty to ensure the safety of transport activities. NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said the law was now clear that everyone involved in heavy vehicle transport had a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of workers and the public. “This was a serious incident that the NHVR will allege was caused by multiple breaches of safety laws,” he said. The NHVR will allege the consignor failed to comply with loading and restraint requirements, failed to advise an overseas supplier of Australian safety regulations, failed to have any restraint system in place in the container, and failed to

The NHVR alleges the incident was caused by multiple breaches of safety laws.

advise the driver and operator how the load was packed. It will be further allege that the consignor had failed to take these measures since June 2017, during which time 189 containers were transported

without any restraint. Luckily, no one was injured in the November 2019 rollover. The case has been listed for a committal mention hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 7.

Operator charged over dangerous goods storage A logistics operator has been charged by WorkSafe Victoria over alleged breaches of the Dangerous Goods Act at a site in Tottenham. Crossroads Logistics Pty Ltd is facing four charges under section 31(1) of the Act. WorkSafe Victoria alleges

Crossroads failed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent tampering, theft or unauthorised access involving dangerous goods that were stored at the premises between March 2019 and March 2020. It is also alleged the company failed to take all reason-

able precautions to prevent the leakage of dangerous goods and to prevent a fire or explosion at the site. WorkSafe Victoria further alleges Crossroads failed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any damage to property or danger to the public by an

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accident involving dangerous goods at the premises. The site is not the location of the 2018 chemical fire at Tottenham. A committal hearing is due to take place at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 15, 2021.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Call for mandatory telematics failing to win support Brake checker

The truck driver was forced to take evasive action to avoid a crash.

LOW-COST EWD provider Step Global has added its voice to the growing industry dissent over the push by the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) for mandatory telematics. In a recent missive, the ALC now argues that including the compulsory systems as part of a National Operating Standard would help improve safety and compliance – and at just $2500 for the hardware and up to $50 a month service fee, the technology is “affordable”. Step Global, however, the supplier of the NHVR-approved SmarteDriver EWD app, says the ALC is wide of the mark. “It is ridiculous to think that all telematics is the same,” said David Lloyd, Step Global’s Managing Director. “There is a huge range of functions that could be included, or excluded, so how do you determine what is in and what is out of the standard? “If we want safer roads

The ATA says the ALC’s proposed standard and mandatory recording requirements is nothing more than an anti-competitive tax on small and family businesses. Picture: Facebook

through the use of basic fatigue management, then keep it simple and make the EWD obtainable to all drivers at a very low price.” Lloyd added that the EWD standard is, and should be, a standalone as it replaces the current standalone paper log book. “The paper log book is personal to the driver; a vehicle telematics system is not, and drivers should not be penalised in having to install a full telematics system just to get access to an EWD.” The ALC is lobbying hard for

the mandatory telematics and a National Operating Standard ahead of the looming overhaul of the Heavy Vehicle National Law by transport ministers. It also suggests it would be best managed using a phased three year roll out, along the below lines: • fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles to carry telemetric equipment compatible with standards recognised by the National Telematics Framework 12 months from the day legislation imposing the requirement commences;

• vehicles between 8 and 12 GVM two years from the day the legislation imposing the requirement commences; and • vehicles between 4.5 and 8 GVM three years from the day the legislation imposing the requirement commences. But the Australian Trucking Association says the proposed standard, and its mandatory recording requirements, is nothing more than an anti-competitive tax on hardworking small and family businesses. “From our consultations with operators, we know that the hardware costs are around $12,000 – not including optional safety systems,” ATA CEO Andrew McKellar said. “The proposal is unclear as to how it could be applied, and the estimated costings are completely absurd and misleading. McKellar said that that ALC’s proposed standard was just operator licensing under a new name.

charged in NSW A 30-year-old man has been charged after a serious road rage incident that involved brake checking in front of a truck loaded with dangerous goods. On March 3, the man was driving a ute, travelling west on the M5 at Padstow. A dangerous goods truck was travelling in the same direction. The truck changed lanes to overtake a vehicle due to heavy traffic. The ute driver who was close behind the truck, decided to overtake it, cutting him off and slamming the brakes. The truck driver was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – NSW Police Force said officers attached to South West Puma have since charged the man, thanks to members of the

THE UTE DRIVER WHO WAS CLOSE BEHIND THE TRUCK, DECIDED TO OVERTAKE IT, CUTTING HIM OFF AND SLAMMING THE BRAKES. THE TRUCK DRIVER WAS FORCED TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID A COLLISION. public contacting Crime Stoppers NSW. Police officers attended the home address of the ute driver after multiple reports to Crime Stoppers, and he was charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public. He is due to appear before Bankstown Local Court on April 28, 2021.

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FRIDAY JUNE 12 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Operators slugged with more stevedore price hikes CONTACT US

Address: Cnr Mayne Road and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006 Phone: 1300 877 017 Fax: (07) 3220 6364 Email: info@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: Phone 1300 130 590, Fax (07) 5456 6955 Subscriptions: 1300 877 017 Classifieds: 13 11 13 Circulation and distribution queries: 1300 361 604 retailer@newsregionalmedia.com.au DP World Australia (DPWA) EDITOR is theGraham: latest (07) stevedore James 3817 1722to incur the wrath of transport bosses james.graham@bigrigs.com.au for yet another round of price REPORTER hikes in (07) a pandemic. Kate Dodd: 3817 1754 DPWA announced last kate.dodd@bigrigs.com.au month that its new terminal MANAGER access charges – now more Peter Hockings than3817 100 per cent than (07) 1818/0410 334higher 371 they were just three years ago peter.hockings@bigrigs.com.au – willSALES comeCONSULTANT into effect from MEDIA May 1.Kidd Michael As(07)Queensland 3817 1804/ 0439Trucking 130 416 sociation CEO Gary Mahon michael.kidd@bigrigs.com.au said heSALES is gravely concerned at MEDIA CONSULTANT what he called the anti-comMarie O’Reilly: (07) 3817 1755 petitive pricing behaviour of marie.oreilly@bigrigs.com.au Port of Brisbane’s stevedoring BOOKINGS & COPY SUPPORT companies. Katharine Causer: (07) 3817 1711 “The road freight industry bookings@bigrigs.com.au cannot and should not be the CONTRIBUTORS cash Truckin: cow for Tassie Jon each Wallis, stevedore’s balance sheets,” said Mahon. 0412 797 513 “This sustained year-onTruckin in the Tropics: Alf Wilson, year 009 gouging of the road 0408 301 freight industry has recently Brent Davison; Graham Harsant; David reached a tipping Vile; David Meredith; Joel point Helmes with

ever increasing complaints

received by Road theTransport QTA from Big Rigs National members.” Newspaper is published by News Corp Transport NSWcirculated CEO Australia. Big Rigs isfor the largest Simon O’Hara said DPWA’s fortnightly truck publication in Australia fee 26,023* hikes copies couldpernot come at with fortnight. a*12worse time for operators at month average, publisher’s claim Port Botany November 2018 in Sydney. Patrick also recently in-

ATA keeps drivers moving

TOGETHER with Big Rigs, the ATA has been pressing businesses and rest areas to keep their facilities open to support the truck drivers who are keeping Australia moving as we face the COVID-19 epidemic and recovery process. “Australia’s truck drivers creased its 2021 fees, which are working hard to deliver include a reversing fee and the food, medicine and essideloader fee (amongst sential goods we need to get others), and prior to that through this epidemic, but Hutchinson announced a unfortunately we heard of massive infrastructure/access truck stops, roadhouses and surcharge increase at the port businesses that were shutin January. ting off their facilities to “It’s time the industry drivers,” ATA CEO Ben Mare-adjust their mindset to guire said. quarterly increases from steMr Maguire said the vedores and others at the ATA’s first call out was Paport,” said O’Hara. cific National, who had “Given the continual farbanned truck drivers from its cical nature of these increasand es, toilets, what ifchangerooms anything does kitchens. TfNSW, the NTC, ACCC “Within hours of our and the NSW minister proteam pressing the matter, pose to do about continued Pacific National reversed the supply chain cost increases decision and reopened their at Australia’s biggest port for and no amenities. discernible This returnquick to landresponse demonsidepositive operators and during the strated an understanding of single biggest global and ecothe important role truck nomic decline since the Great drivers play in their supply Depression?” chain,” Mr Maguire said. O’Hara showed us a letter a trip down the from During a veteran road freight Hume Highway in the operator who had written to ATA’s SafeT360 truck in NSW Roads Minister Anearly May, Mr Maguire saw drew Constance looking for the impact of the facility cloanswers to those questions sures first-hand. – and more – but at deadline “When stopping at the for this issue is still awaiting a Partridge VC rest area, I was response. astonished to see a Trans-

“From an industry per-

port for NSW sign posting that the toilet facilities were not being serviced,” Mr Maguire said. “Following the visit, we pressed Transport for NSW on the matter, who quickly saw the error of their ways and advised that the issue would be promptly adspective, I don’t feel or bedressed. lieve that enough questions to are “We askedareofnow the pleased stevedores report that these rest area fawith their new fees or procilities are once again open posed increases of old fees are and being serviced.” justified,” the operator conThe campaign has also cluded. had success in Dubbo and O’Hara said the next step region – an isthe tosurrounding make a submission to important intersection of the Transport for NSW rekey freight routes. Lobbying view of the Ports and Marefforts from the ATA and itime Administration Act members saw council re(PAMAA) and to lobby for open several rest area facilithe ACCC to take a closer ties within the township. “The support we have

seen for the campaign and truck drivers has been energising. Australia has really backed the trucking industry and is recognising the important role it plays in our daily lives,” Mr Maguire said. Through its membership of ACCI, the ATA worked with Safe Work Australia to look at the price hikes. make sure its cleaning and “It’s a bit interesting that hygiene guidance for the the ACCC say they don’t trucking industry and its have jurisdiction on this, but customers was on target. they do in Newcastle with “The original Safe Work that port,” he said. Australia information was In a statement, DPWA either too vague or was said the price increases at aimed at health care workits Brisbane, Sydney and ers,” Mr Maguire said. Melbourne terminals were “As a result of our input, simply in recognition of the there is now excellent guid“unprecedented challengance material available for es faced by consumers and road freight operators on the businesses grappling with Safe Work Australia website.”

the effects of Covid-19”. costs, such as labour, equip“DPWA’s business costs ment and property charges,” continue to rise, requiring a added Mahon. NHVR PORTAL: There are huge benefits to using the portal. review of our service charges The new DPWA charges Picture: Contributed to rebalance cost recovery,” per full container are as it said. follows: But Mahon, for one, be- Export Containers lieves that argument doesn’t • Brisbane: $89.50 stack up. • Sydney: $89.50 “Analysis by QTA of • Melbourne: $89.50 ACCC data indicates that Import Containers these fee increases are certain- • Brisbane: $124.00 ly not justified on the basis of • Sydney: $126.60 NHVAS customers have been mation, reviewing application stevedoring companies’ own • Melbourne: $139.20

New NHVR Portal changes are here

using the benefits of the NHVR Portal since last November and most have now made the transition to the digital platform. NHVR safety standards and assurance manager (accreditation) Darrin Rasmussen said there were significant benefits to submitting of applications through the portal, including reducing data re-entry and providing greater customer visibility of accreditation modules and case tracking activities. He said the NHVR Portal provided operators with the ability to manage all their NHVAS records, including FACILITIES NOW OPEN: Thanks to the campaign and the push submitting an application, from Big Rigs and the ATA, Transport for NSW is fixing the inforfacilities as soon as possible. Picture: ATA NSW operators are struggling to come to grips with the now quarterly managing price hikes byaccount port stevedores.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Rort undermines tippers’ pay

BY JAMES GRAHAM

VICTORIA’S tip truck drivers must stick together to stop the race to the bottom. That’s the message from Victorian Tippers United (VTU) spokesman Luke McCrone as he rallies the fight back against an alleged rort of pay rates on government projects. McCrone says the state’s minimum mandatory hourly rates for the various types of trucks is now under threat because a large plant hire group is exploiting a loophole to win contracts. He says the company, which we can’t name for legal reasons, is undercutting its rivals by offering to pay the required rate of $88.38 per hour for two axle tippers, for example. But truckies are then asked to join a subcontractor services club, for a voluntary charge of $6.38 per hour, which will give them “priority on all major projects” and access to other benefits, such as discounted rates on tyres and maintenance. “But you don’t actually get anything for joining this club,” McCrone tells Big Rigs. “That’s just their sneaky way of saying we’ll pay you the $88.38 because we have to, but what they don’t show you

is the bill you then get from the plant hire at the end of the week asking for $6.38 of it back for every hour you’ve worked.” “The owner-drivers are then left to try and safely put a truck on the road for less and less every year. This race to the bottom has made tip truck driving one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia.” McCrone says the VTU, an association of owner-drivers, along with workers, and one of the biggest plant hire companies in the market, has now referred the matter to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). He says the VTU is also talking to the state government but concedes that the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly. “The government has got to do a better job of educating construction companies that we work for about their obligations,” he said. “There is no education along chain to make sure everyone knows there is an obligation to pay the higher rate [$88.38 for a tandem, $121.69 for truck and quad axle and $133.54 for truck and quad axle (GCM 50)]. “The other thing we’re after is some sort of pre-approval system to work on government projects. If you’re caught

The VTU says it’s now up to Victoria’s owner-drivers to stick together and fight for safer rates of pay.

out underpaying you’d then lose the ability to big on government work and I think that would be a pretty big stick.” With less demand for drivers so far this year, McCrone says he understands why some Victorian truckies have agreed to accept the lower pay rates. “But it’s only a short-term solution for these guys,” he said. “The fact is you can’t put

a truck on the road and maintain it properly for $82 per hour. “It’s up to the owner-drivers to stick together and fight for change. If we do, we’ll be alright. “But if you just sit on your hands and hope this will all go away, you will lose.” Peter Anderson, CEO of the Victorian Transport Associ-

ation, tells Big Rigs that underpayment of Tipper sub-contractors by major construction contractors has unfortunately been ongoing for decades. The VTA, through its representation on the Victorian Transport Industry Council, has been able to establish a minimal costing schedule for Tippers which is the standard of all Victorian Government

projects, he said. “Any Tipper sub-contractor who is not adhering to these guidelines on these project will no doubt be hearing from the Wages Inspectorate in the near future,” warns Anderson. “The VTA continues to advocate for the recognition of the value of road transport and to have the systemic abuse identified and reformed.”

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6 NEWS

New trailer guidelines released

DEVELOPED by the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) Industry Technical Council, new drawbar trailer guidelines have been released in an effort to further enhance safety. The new guidelines intend to deliver practical advice to improve the safety of trucking operators, prime contractors and major project consortiums. These new guidelines have been published as a Technical Advisory Procedure, which is a voluntary guide. ATA Chief Engineer Bob Woodward said these guidelines come after strong concerns regarding key technical safety aspects of drawbar trailers, specifically the use of susie coil air lines for the emergency brake function in a breakaway. “A breakaway occurs when a trailer accidentally disconnects from the primary coupling and the secondary coupling such

as a safety chain, if fitted, also fails,” said Woodward. “Susie coils are self-coiling airlines that should only be used in semi-trailer applications. “For drawbar trailers, when there is a breakaway it’s important that the airline is disrupted and the emergency brakes function. Therefore rubber hose must be used so that the emergency brakes work. “It’s vital the emergency brake system be designed to function and perform in accordance with Australian Design Rules.” Though Woodward added that the issue is nothing new. “The ATA issued a safety alert about the use of Susie coils in 2015, and there are known examples of drawbar trailer breakaway where the emergency brakes did not apply because of the type of airline connection,” he said. “That’s why we have taken

practical action to improve safety for operators, drivers and everyone who shares the road. “The guidelines address this issue by outlining best-practice procedures to improve personal and vehicle safety.” The guidelines also address concerns regarding drawbar design and maintenance, as well as the installation of towing eyes that are not in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. “Implementation of these guidelines can deliver real safety benefits for not only trucking businesses, but also prime contractors, major project consortiums, construction vehicles and the wider community who share we share our roads with every day,” Woodward added. For more details, visit truck. net.au and search for TAP – drawbar trailers.

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

ATA engineer has say on Gatton decoupling debate IN the last issue we featured a story about a decoupling facility in Gatton that many drivers said was poorly designed. Bob Woodward, the ATA’s Chief Engineer, has since got in touch with information he says will help clear up any confusion. Below is his response: There seems confusion between an AB-triple and Triple (Type II) road train. In referencing “There is no way a AB-triple road train will have enough room to swing in the entrance with the traffic island as it is. When did you last sit in, or drive a triple road train”. In regard to swept path performance, typically for a given length the more articulation points the better the swept path performance will be! So, in comparing the swept path performance for combinations: They are all road trains and (except for the type I Road Train) all triples. However, given that there is no designated 53.5metre road train network anywhere near Gatton and the PBS Level 3B Network stops at Torrington (west Toowoomba), it seems to be assumed that the reference to triple must be either a B-triple or AB-triple at 36.5metres. There are many AB-triple operators who will vouch for

THE FACILITY IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE B-TRIPLES AND TYPE 1 ROAD TRAINS (UP TO 36.5METRES) AND THE CONCRETE TRAFFIC ISLAND WILL NOT IMPEDE THEIR ACCESS. BOB WOODWARD

the manoeuvring performance of a 36.5metre AB-triple over a 36.5metre B-triple or Type 1 Road Train. Assuming that “The facility is designed to accommodate B-triples and Type 1 road trains (up to 36.5metres) and the concrete traffic island

will not impede their access”, is a statement of fact: Then the facility will be suitable for AB-triples up to 36.5metres . Hence in the overall context of the article I suspect that the word Triples has been heard, but not in conjunction with the 36.5metre limit.

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NEWS 7

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Truckie warns others after Qld brake tampering scare

BY JAMES GRAHAM

A Brisbane-based interstate truckie is urging other drivers travelling through Childers in regional Queensland to be on the lookout for a serial pest he says tried to kill him. The driver, who preferred not to be named for fear of online trolling, told Big Rigs that a resident with a long-running

vendetta against truckies disconnected his brake control line while he was paying for fuel for his K200 B-double at a nearby servo. Their paths had crossed a week earlier when the truckie had been forced to use his engine brake to avoid a low-speed bingle with the man. It wasn’t until the driver was more than 400km away on the outskirts of Rockhampton that

he realised the angry motorist had sought his twisted payback by sabotaging his brakes. There had been a motorist in the same car acting strangely at the bowsers but given the gap between their first encounter, the truckie hadn’t made the connection until it was too late. “I’m on the other side of Rocky and I come over the top of the rise and there’s this stop-

go that wasn’t there the day before,” said the driver, still rattled by the scare days later. “Normally I need 50-100m to stop safely with the brakes fully functional, but I went to put my foot down and nothing is happening. “I’m panicking, throwing it down gear after gear trying to get it to slow down and to stop with the little braking power I had left.

Upset by the number of heavy vehicles driving through their town, Childers’ residents are lobbying the state parliament for a temporary bypass. Picture: Facebook

“Luckily, I pulled up a metre or two behind the back of a ute that was there. It scared the shit out of me, but it wasn’t until I got home later that night that I realised this guy just tried to kill me.” The truckie said he hadn’t noticed the brakes malfunctioning earlier because he hadn’t needed to apply them in the same way, instead “coasting” up to any traffic he’d met on the way and applying his Jake Brake to slow down. The driver called police to report the incident but has since been told that there is lack of evidence to take it any further because the servo’s CCTV cameras don’t get a clear enough view of the truck’s brake line. “At the moment the police have found that no one tampered with my truck but I know he did it and nothing will change my mind,” said the aggrieved truckie. “He tried to kill me, and it’ll happen again unless he’s stopped.” Concerned for the welfare of other drivers, the truckie also alerted Facebook group

On The Pads Qld Edition which he says became inundated with similar stories before trolls forced him to take the post down. “There have been lasers in truckies’ eyes, rocks through windscreens; this guy has been targeting truck drivers and attempting to harm, maim or kill,” he said. “He tries to harm every truck driver who upsets him.” Our Facebook page was also flooded with stories from other drivers who said the town has a long history of clashes with truckies. More recently local resident Paul Barnaby has organised a petition to the Queensland Parliament lobbying for an urgent temporary road bypass route for heavy vehicles until the long-planned bypass is constructed. “Few (if any) other regional towns in Queensland allow heavy traffic in their main streets. A fatality, or serious injury, could easily occur if this is not rectified,” he argued in his submission. With a week remaining until the March 31 deadline, the petition had 411 signatures.

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Less talk, more action

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

AS little as two or so months ago, this didn’t seem possible. I’m talking about the resumption of the trucking industry’s jam-packed conference calendar post-Covid. Little-by-little the momentum has gathered steam to the point that it looks like the roadshow is back on. I’m looking forward to getting back out there; networking is paramount to reporting on important industry issues and keeping those in positions of authority accountable. Yet even in my relatively short time in this role, you often walk away wondering why you bothered. There is a lot of hot air at these events, but not a lot of things actually get done. How Covid has reinforced the importance of strengthening the supply chain seems like a popular speech already in 2021. But what will really be better for the truckie as a result? Not a whole lot, unless we actually really do follow through on the talk for a change.

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IN BRIEF Fuel excise fraud SA trucking company boss Reginald Roberts has been found guilty of stealing $3.8 million from the ATO through fuel excise fraud. During a long District Court trial, the jury heard that Roberts, 67, had created fictitious companies to lodge false claims for rebates from the ATO’s Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grant Scheme and the Energy Grants Credits Scheme. According to the claims lodged by Roberts, each of the companies had numerous trucks completing dozens of trips, making them eligible for an 18.51 cent per litre rebated for diesel purchases between December 2002 and June 2006. Recycled plastic road Over 2,100 tons of recycled road base product will be used in works to rebuild an 850-metre stretch of the Hume Freeway at Balmattum, near Euroa. An average of 6,500 vehicles travel on this section of the freeway each day, about 40 per cent being trucks. The products used for the trial will be processed at the Wodonga Asphalt plant and equate to approximately 1 million recycled glass bottles, 746,000 plastic bags, 420 ton of reclaimed asphalt and 21,800 printer cartridges combined. More overtaking lanes Work to provide more overtaking opportunities on the Newell Highway has taken another leap forward with two lanes recently completed at Redbank and Coobang. NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the rollout of the overtaking lanes was being accelerated through a strategic partnership with industry. “To date, we’ve added 25 kilometres of overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway, enabling more efficient freight transport and providing around 15 minutes in time-saving benefits to motorists,” Toole said. “By the end of 2021, we expect to have delivered 25 lanes as part of our commitment to build a safer, stronger road network in regional NSW.” Hino out of BTS Hino Motor Sales Australia has announced it won’t be participating in the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show due to the continued uncertainty around COVID-19. “Unfortunately due to the still-present uncertainty regarding COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision that Hino will not be exhibiting at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show,” said Bill Gillespie, Vice President of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia. He said the decision wasn’t made lightly and comes after ongoing deliberation at a senior management level.

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Free roadside health checks for truckies

THE OzHelp Foundation has launched Health in Gear, a new health and wellbeing program aimed at truck drivers. OzHelp CEO, Darren Black said Health in Gear is about assisting truck drivers to be as well as they can be, taking into account the unique challenges they face each day. “Our research uncovered systemic issues across the industry and by working with driver focus groups we’ve developed tips and tools to support drivers in improving and maintaining their health and wellbeing, even during the toughest of times,” Black said. A key element to the program is the Truckie Tune Up, a mobile health check, with the pilot starting at select sites across ACT and NSW this month.

Health in Gear will include free mobile health checks.

The free roadside health checks are delivered by a team of nurses and support workers at transport hubs. Truckies are

also provided with referrals when needed. “These Tune Ups provide drivers with an opportuni-

ty give their own health the same attention they would give their vehicles, hence the Truckie Tune Up,” Black said. “Drivers are often on the road for long periods of time so by taking services to them, our team can provide health checks, and referrals as required. “The health checks are a chance for drivers have a chat and connect with someone who understands the industry. Follow-ups can be arranged, and ongoing support is available through our 1800 IN GEAR support line.” The program is tax-payer funded via a $250,000 investment from the NHVR’S Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI). The University of Wollongong has collaborated with OzHelp to develop and evaluate the program.

Regulator invests in healthier future

THE NHVR has entered into a new partnership with the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (HHTS) Foundation to improve psychological safety and physical health in the industry. “The NHVR will contribute $150,000 over the next three years to progress key initiatives that the NHVR sees as critical to supporting mental and physical health,” said

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto. “This is in addition to the work the NHVR does in promoting mental and physical health through our existing channels. “The HHTS project is one of the first mental health initiatives that is directly co-driven with industry, customers and others across the complete supply chain at all levels.”

HHTS is a registered notfor-profit charitable foundation that exists for the benefit of the broader supply chain and is open to all operators regardless of size or scale. CEO Naomi Frauenfelder said that support from road transport operators and customers was vital to tackling issues relating to driver psychological safety and physical health.

According to Superfriend, the transport, logistics and postal sector is currently ranked as the worst sector nationally for mental health. “HHTS is working to build a healthier and more thriving industry, by promoting prevention and understanding of mental health issues in truck drivers and logistics workers,” Frauenfelder said.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Health in Gear program was an important initiative to ensure owner drivers and their families had access to the best possible information, resources and support. “We know that healthy drivers are safer drivers, and that all starts with good mental health and wellbeing,” Petroccitto said. “The nature of the job means truckies and their families face some unique challenges, and the NHVR is committed to supporting initiatives like OzHelp’s Health in Gear program to ensure help is available when it’s needed.” For more information visit www.healthingear.com.au, or to access support call 1800 IN GEAR.

“This includes equipping them with the skills and confidence to support their colleagues through life’s ups and downs, as well as monitoring their own mental health and seeking help when needed. “We look forward to working with the NHVR to ensure that mental and physical health are a key component of their safety agenda moving forward.”

Singapore developers back $500m Logan hub LOGAN City Council in Queensland has granted approval to one of the biggest industrial developments in the city’s history. An industrial park of nine warehouses will be constructed by Mapletree Investments, a leading real estate development, investment, capital and property management company headquartered in Singapore. The new $500m Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead will be built on 36 hectares of the new $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate launched by council last year. The development will deliver approximately 200,000 square metres of high-grade logistic warehousing and office space. The site is expected to include buildings ranging in size from 5000sqm up to possibly a massive 100,000sqm – the equivalent of almost 20 football fields. The project is expected to create at least 2500 jobs over four stages of construction. Logan Mayor Darren Power said the project was a strong endorsement for investment in the city. “This is the start of a development that will deliver thousands of jobs for locals,” Cr

An artist’s impression of the new Logan logistics hub that is expected to be a game-changer for the transport industry.

Power said. “This project is a game-changer, not just for the City of Logan, but all of South East Queensland. “Mapletree, one of the largest developers in the world, is leading the way in showing investors that the city of Logan is an ideal place for businesses to set up and grow.” Mapletree Group’s Chief Executive Officer Hiew Yoon Khong said the organisation had a strong conviction on the growth prospects of Australia’s logistics real estate sector. “Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead’s excellent connectivity to key transportation nodes will provide companies with a high-quality space in a

strategic location,” Hiew said. The Mapletree development was approved under Council’s innovative RiskSmart approval process. It was subject to a comprehensive pre-application review prior to the application being formally lodged and approved by council and the state government. The Crestmead Logistics Estate, on the corner of Green and Clarke Roads, was launched by council in August last year. It will be rolled out over the next five years and will eventually deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space. The estate’s appeal includes

its easy accessibility to the Logan and Gateway Motorways, two of the busiest transport arterials in South East Queensland. Crestmead Logistics Estate adds to an existing 367,000 sqm of commercial activity recently completed or planned in Logan over the coming year. Developments include: • DHL – 19,000sqm $38m 132 jobs (complete) • Mitre 10 – 27,000sqm $50m 110 jobs (complete) • Alphabet (Wing) – 15,000sqmm 36 jobs (complete) • Queensland Logistics Service – 15,000sqm 20 jobs (complete) • Pinnacle Hardware –

14,000sqm 36 jobs (complete) • CEVA – 21,000sqm (complete) • Hutamaki and Phoenix Transport – 25,000sqm (complete) • GPT – 13,000sqm (under construction) a further 72,000sqm to complete • Rinnai 13,000sqm (complete) • McPhee Transport 17,000sqm (under construction) • Berrinba Central Shopping Centre (Stage 1 complete, Stage 2 and 3 under construction) • Goodman 56,000sqm (under construction) • Quilton 60,000sqm (13 sheds under construction)

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies welcome overdue upgrades on ‘Hwy to Hell’

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

IT may be an important freight corridor for Queensland, but the notorious Peak Downs Highway has become an ongoing headache for many of the truck drivers and motorists who have to use it. Linking the towns of Mackay and Clermont, the Peak Downs Highway is the principal truck route that supplies the coal mines of the northern Bowen Basin. A mammoth amount of freight travels this route, including oversize and over-mass vehicles carrying

large mining equipment, and livestock vehicles servicing the agricultural sector. “Roads in the Isaac region are used by our 33,000 permanent and visiting residents and see a mixture of trucks and other heavy vehicles, fourwheel-drives and conventional cars travelling the roads at all times of the day and night,” explained Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker. “They are vital to the multi-billion-dollar mining industry in our region and of course to our fulltime residents and visiting workers, many of

Local cattle farmer Rodney Clark.

whom drive in and drive out of our region on a very regular basis.” Baker added that Peak Downs Highway serves as an integral east-west link for the area’s key economic, health and social industries. Despite being such a vital regional road, from a safety standpoint, the state of the Peak Downs Highway is so woeful that it’s commonly been labelled the ‘highway to hell’, with parts of it likened to roads in developing countries. Sadly, reports of crashes on this highway are far too frequent, with many proving fatal. “Peak Downs Highway is listed as a state-controlled local road of regional significance. The poor condition of Isaac’s state-controlled roads was highlighted when the current edition of the monthly RACQ magazine published a list of the 10 most-unroadworthy roads in Queensland. Three of these were in the Isaac region,” explained Baker. She also added that Council has long advocated for the State Government to invest in roads under its control in the Isaac Region. “In light of the recent Goondiwindi Regional Coun-

cil vs Tait High Court ruling; in light of ongoing observations of the parlous state of certain roads; and in light of a recent poll conducted by RACQ identifying three roads in the Isaac region in the top 10 most unroadworthy roads in the state, Council must continue to express its concerns for the safety and amenity of its communities and road users,” Baker said. A $35 million upgrade of a 14km section of the Peak Downs Highway between Wuthung Road and Caval Ridge is wrapping up; with a $6 million strengthening and widening project and $5.5 million Wolfang Road intersection upgrade to follow. But will this be enough? “They make a good start but the answer is categorically, no. Much more needs to be done and urgently,” Baker added. Local cattle farmer Rodney Clark said the upgrades were long overdue. He transports cattle from his property at Moranbah, just out of Eton to either Emerald or Rockhampton for sale. He used to use the Peak Downs Highway but changed his route due to the poor road conditions. “Because of the state of the road, I stopped going that way. There are only two

The Peak Downs Highway is an important east-west link between Clermont, Moranbah and Mackay.

ways I can get to Rockhampton and both are bloody shocking,” he said. “The trip there with cattle isn’t as bad, it’s worse when I’m coming back empty. Some of the bridges are really sketchy. If you meet another truck on the bridge, it can be pretty harrowing – but I can deal with that. The road is just really rough, especially along Clermont and Moranbah.” On top of having to deal with the poor quality road, Clark said that impatient motorists often added to the risk too. “There’s nowhere to overtake between Moranbah and Nebo and sometimes people do some really dumb things, like overtaking in really silly spots.

Once you get between Nebo and Mackay, there are overtaking lanes so it’s a much better road to travel, but you do still get silly people making stupid decisions,” he added. Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey explained some of the upgrades which are due to take place. “Just over three kilometres of road will be widened to nine metres, with one-metre shoulders, to increase separation between heavy vehicles, caravans and light vehicles,” he said, adding that widening three sections will enable safer overtaking opportunities, so drivers don’t take unnecessary risks. Two informal stopping bays will also be upgraded.

Mount Lindesay Highway works begin WORKS have started on the $75 million upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway between Stoney Camp Road and Chambers Flat Road. The project will widen the highway from two to four lanes, build new northbound and southbound bridges across Norris Creek, install safety upgrades and improve fauna connectivity and protection. “This is all about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer while we create more jobs during this difficult economic time,” said Minister for Communications, Urban

Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher. “This investment is part of our $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan, which is laying the foundations for the nation’s ongoing recovery from Covid-19,” said Fletcher. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey added that the upgrade was part of the state and federal governments’ $5 billion for road stimulus across Queensland. “After completing the Park Ridge section ahead of schedule last year, this project will see

important construction jobs roll on with another 80 to be created through this upgrade,” Bailey said. “The Palaszczuk Government upgraded the Camp Cable road intersection, we transformed the stretch through North Maclean, built the Beaudesert bypass, and we’re continuing that work to create more jobs and better roads.” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, said, “As a former transport operator, I know first-hand that any

upgrade, no matter how big or small, is critical to ensuring a quicker and safer journey for motorists. “My residents from Beaudesert to Greenbank and everywhere in between will welcome this congestion busting upgrade on the Mount Lindesay Highway. “I thank local motorists in advance for their patience as we get on with the job of building better local roads, and we know there is more to do. “This project is part of a $4 billion nationwide investment through the Urban Congestion

Assistant Minister Buchholz (centre) at the first turning of the soil on March 19.

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14 COVER STORY

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Scania torques up new six-cylinder Euro 6 engine

Our test driver takes the punchier New Generation Scania 13-litre prime mover for a spin on the outskirts of Sydney to see what all the fuss is about. BY WARREN CAVES SCANIA recently released the uprated output version of the brand’s proven 13-litre, DC 13 166 in-line six-cylinder engine. Previously topping out at 500hp/2250nm, a point at which for many operators, represents the lower end of practical horsepower ratings for B-double work. Prior to Scania’s latest 540 hp 2700nm powerplant release, operators would need to step up to the 520 hp V8 engine if they wanted to opt for a bit more punch. For those in areas where steer axle weights can be of concern, stepping up to the V8 engine imposes an extra 300kg weight penalty directly over the front axle. Scania is offering the new

Spending your working day in these Euro workhorses is undeniably a refined experience.

540 hp engine in the midsized G-series cab and full-sized R-series cab range, both offering 75-tonne GCM ratings. Big Rigs was invited to evaluate the new engine in an R-series B-double configuration from the company’s Prestons dealership in Sydney. The test truck was hitched to a pair of curtain sided trailers loaded with concrete blocks to a GCM of 58.46-tonnes. The test route would take in motorway conditions southbound on the Hume Highway to Suttons Forest and back, returning via Narellan road, the Northern Road and Elizabeth Drive to take in fairly common operating scenarios for a truck of this type. Having previously test driven the same type of combination with the 500hp engine

The test truck was hitched to a pair of curtain sided trailers loaded with concrete blocks to a GCM of 58.46-tonnes.

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version, driving from Kalgoorlie to Perth in WA when Scania debuted the New Generation models around the country in 2018, I was keen to experience the difference. A few local road twists and turns saw the Scania quickly enter the motorway and quietly attain the posted 100km/h speed limit. As with all previously tested New Generation trucks, vision comfort and NVH levels are well sorted. Spending your working day in these Euro workhorses is undeniably a refined experience. The new engine seemed to be undeterred by the 58-tonne ballast it was tasked with moving. Reaching and maintaining road speed for the early part of the journey proved unchallenging. For those familiar with the southbound run on the Hume Highway out of Sydney, it’s well known the real work kicks in from the Menangle River. From there on in it is basically all uphill until reaching the summit of Skyline, a good test for any truck. According to the power and torque curve charts for the new engine, power reaches the 500hp mark at 1300 rpm before climbing to 540 at 1800 rpm. Maximum torque is available from the get-go at a very low 1000 rpm before dropping off substantially at 1300 rpm. Where the engine will work at is determined by the transmission mode selected. The

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COVER STORY 15

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

After turning around at Sutton Forest for the return run back to Sydney, the challenges vary for the truck.

12-speed AMT transmission features three modes to choose from, ECO, standard and power. I evaluated all three modes to gauge the best outcomes for performance and economy. While it’s hard to gauge the best mode for economy over such a short test drive, it is easy

to see the difference the different modes have on gear selection and overall performance. While maximum torque is available at as low as 1000 rpm, I felt driving in ECO mode at this weight encouraged the transmission to upshift and subsequently down speed the

Prior to Scania’s latest 540 hp 2700nm powerplant release, operators would need to step up to the 520 hp V8 engine if they wanted to opt for a bit more punch.

engine to a point where road speed suffered adversely when it came to an incline. This mode may be beneficial to fuel economy when lightly loaded or empty and the available torque can overcome the lesser weight resistance, but for my liking at this weight I steered away from the ECO mode. With a final drive ratio of 3.42:1 on the test truck, the tacho registered 1350rpm at 100km/h, this placed the engine speed at a good position to provide enough torque to overcome small inclines without the need to downshift. In fact, the engine would lug all the way down to below 1100 rpm without downshifting if you let it, however if you are at the beginning of a serious incline, the road speed lost by allowing this to happen is difficult to recover. With the power mode selected the transmission would instigate downshifts at around 1300 rpm, which would see the tacho jump to 1700-1800 rpm and provide ample pulling power and speed retention. Overall, I found the best performance was to be had in the 1300-1600 rpm range, offering a good mix of both power and torque. With power mode selected

Scania is offering the new 540 hp engine in the mid-sized G-series cab and full-sized R-series cab range.

According to the power and torque curve charts for the new engine, power reaches the 500hp mark at 1300 rpm before climbing to 540 at 1800 rpm.

the transmission did a great job of maintain speed on grades, preventing the selection of 12th gear, even if a small lift off the throttle was given. The constant swapping of gears between top gear and one below on some AMT trucks I have experienced, robs valuable momentum which cannot be regained. The programming of the GRS0905R transmission excelled in this area. The toughest climb on the road test route was “Skyline Hill”. I attacked it with gusto in power mode from the bottom at 100km/h. Holding the throttle pedal flat, downshifts took place at around 1400 rpm sending the engine speed back up to 1700 rpm, this continued until 8th gear had been selected (auto mode) at which point the truck found its groove to hold 8th gear all the way top the top. The minimum speed up that hill was 45km/h. After turning around at Sutton Forest for the return run back to Sydney, the challenges vary for the truck. After a few inclines before reaching the top of Skyline Hill once more, it is now time to benefit from the excellent retarder operation on the Scania. Over-runs are easily managed with the use of the down-

Scania recently released the uprated output version of the brand’s proven 13-litre, DC 13 166 in-line six-cylinder engine.

hill descent control which selects the appropriate level of retarder operation, minimising service brake usage. Once back in Sydney and venturing onto main arterial roads the Scania was best left in the std or power mode at this weight. Negotiating traffic and stop/start conditions was reasonably effortless, moving the truck from a standing start within acceptable timeframes. Upon returning the truck back to Scanias dealership the

trip stats are as follows: • Distance: 233km • Average speed: 66km/h • Average fuel consumption: 1.8km/l (36.8L/100km) Scania promotional material quotes potential for fuel usage reductions of up to 2.5 per cent with the new engine. As mentioned earlier, it’s difficult to gauge accurate fuel consumption figures from such a short test, while at the same time evaluating performance ability, but for the terrain covered, think 1.8 km/l is notable.

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Brave hay runner finds solace through giving

When Sue Ryan lost her truckie husband last year, she thought her hay run days were behind her; but thanks to the generosity and support of those around her, she’s continuing his legacy. BY DANIELLE GULLACI A TRUCKIE with a heart of gold, Buster Ryan had been in the job for over 30 years. He was a farmer in his younger days, but a truck driver for most of his working life. Based in the town of Leeton in NSW, he carted hay for a local family business called Killoran Ag. The couple met after Sue got her truck licence and approached a local company in the hope of cementing her skills. “I’ve had my licence for 20 years – I got it with the intention of getting into the industry but I never actually did. I went to a trucking company to get experience with one of the drivers, and they put me in the truck with Buster, so that’s how we met,” said Sue. Buster and Sue began doing hay runs in 2016 with the Burrumbuttock Hay Run. They did their first run with Need For Feed, an organisation they were both very passionate about, in September 2019, and continued to support that cause ever since. Need For Feed is a Lions Club project, and it took Sue and Buster to farmers in need across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Together, they took part in several hay runs a year and had plans to continue doing many more. They were due to head to Cobar for their next one in late October, but it wasn’t to be. Tragically, on October 13, 2020, Buster went to work and never came home. He was 66 years old. “My husband Buster tragically passed away in a work-

Sue delivered a load of hay to this farmer at Cecil Plains on the Australia Day weekend

Hugh Macdonald, Alistair Macdonald and Tom Barnes from Killoran Ag, pictured with Sue.

Buster and Sue did many hay runs together and were passionate about supporting Need For Feed

place accident last year, where he had been road training loads of hay for his work. That’s primarily what Buster did, cart hay – and he absolutely loved his job,” said Sue.

Buster’s Bear is dressed in his clothes and hat, and comes with Sue on each of the hay runs

“He was in the process of having his road train unloaded, when he was struck by a telehandler. “We were booked to go on a hay run to Cobar but then Buster passed away so they made it a memorial for him. Need For Feed took me in and supported me. They’ve been so prominent in my healing. “Some of the team knew Buster, some didn’t, but they are all genuine salt of the earth people and I find I’m in the absolute best place when I’m on a hay run. “After losing Buster, I was certain that I’d never participate in another hay run, but after regaining myself and thinking what would Buster want me to do, I realised I needed to keep his memory alive by continuing to help others by means of getting loads of hay out to drought affected farmers, And in fact, I’ve now participated in three hay runs since my husband’s passing, with a massive thanks to Matt Shaw at Wagga Trucks

Buster had been truck driving for over 30 years before the tragic accident

for continuing to donate a prime mover to this cause.” The affiliation with Wagga Trucks began in September 2017 when Buster was in need of a donated truck for an upcoming hay run. He rang around to various dealerships, but it was Managing Director of Wagga Trucks Matt Shaw, who was more

than happy to come to the party. “When he got onto Matt and told him what we wanted to do, the first truck he got us was a new Mack Superliner. He just handed us the keys and said go and have fun. Matt didn’t know Buster from a bar of soap. It all came from a random phone call, and Matt’s been happy to support us ever since,” said Sue, expressing her gratitude. “The Macdonalds are the family Buster worked for and who have been donating the loads of hay. They’ve said they’ll continue to donate hay when I go on a run on my own.” And it’s this sort of support that has enabled Sue to continue her charitable work, which she says has helped with the healing process too. “I drive the truck which has been a massive thing for me. When Buster died, I said I couldn’t do another hay run and I didn’t until December when I went to Cobargo. I had friends here in the industry who said they’d come with me to share the driving. They didn’t want me to go on my own in case I wasn’t up for it mentally,” revealed Sue. She did her next one in Jan-

Buster with Matt Shaw from Wagga Trucks

uary, which was to Cecil Plains and then another in March, which headed to Winton. And she did them both on her own. “That’s three runs in four months, and each time Wagga Trucks has had a truck there for me. Being able to do these hay runs puts me in a good place. It’s not only the fact that we’re helping the farmer at the end, it starts from the beginning of the journey before you leave. While organising the journey, I’m carrying on Buster’s memory. He wouldn’t have wanted me to stop. Though it’s not yet official, the next hay run could be in April,” said Sue, adding that the buzz she gets from the farmers she meets is incredible. “We’re met with tears and hugs. The farmer I just delivered to couldn’t believe they were getting a whole load of 41 bales – she was blown away. The farmers you meet tell you their story, and it helps them knowing that others care. “They don’t feel so alone when they know that others are thinking of them. We think we’re just doing the things that need to be done, but we’re in a position to be able to help and that’s why we do it. We’re met with sheer gratitude.” During her most recent trip to Winton, which is currently in drought, she tells of a farmer she met who had lost nearly 400 head of cattle during the floods. “We’re standing in a dry paddock and the trucks of hay rock up at their place and they’re lost for words and can’t thank you enough. It’s all about bringing them hope. I get just as much out of it as the farmers in the end. “It’s the people you meet, the comradery and the friendship. I don’t have a truck or a trailer or grow hay, but all the support I have behind the scenes allows me to continue doing this work and I am so very grateful.”

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20 FEATURE

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Smooth sailing for big barrier reef pontoon haul

After a few weeks of fit-outs, the pontoon will be ready to bring a Great Barrier experience to a whole new audience. With all the structural elements in place, Wright and his team get ready for the final nerve-racking 2km to the launch site.

BY JAMES GRAHAM JOHN Wright, 53, has moved bigger loads in his lifetime in the heavy haulage game. But when it comes to the most rewarding project, the second-generation house remover, and owner of Queensland House Removers (QHR), is hard-pressed thinking of one

that tops his haul of a Great Barrier Reef viewing pontoon in Bundaberg. The giant Lady Musgrave Experience platform is owned by his long-time mate – and one-time QHR employee Brett Lakey – and for Wright that connection came with a whole new added layer of pressure. “There’s a lot of money sitting on that trailer and it’s all

on my back if something happens,” said Caboolture-based Wright, who admits to more than his fair share of restless nights in the build-up. The first stage was the easiest part, moving the 11-metre wide, 27-tonne underwater viewing platform the 382km north from Hervey Bay to Bundy last November. That was then joined to-

Pontoon owner Brett Lakey and son Oscar celebrate a job well done with the QHR crew.

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gether with the roof and main section in readiness for the big final 90-minute push from the construction yard to the launch spot on Burnett River. Although the final stage of the operation for the QHR crew involved transporting the finished 37-metre pontoon just 2km, this was the bit that kept Wright awake at night. With all three components

of the platform stitched together, the total weight was a top-heavy 54-tonnes, requiring just the right rig and trailer combo to negotiate the many tricky twists and turns with the 13.5-metre span. That meant a four-axle steerable MTE trailer that stretches out to 25.5m on the deck, towed by a Mack CH with a 18-speed main and a two-speed Joey Eaton behind that. “It’s not the biggest truck in the fleet but we had to use a smaller one so it went in underneath, the truck was more or less right under the whole load,” said Wright. “And it crawls along slower than you can walk, and you get good manoeuvrability with the MTE…really good.” With three light poles

removed to pave the way – Wright had recced the route four times previously with tape measure in tow – everything went to plan on the day with Lakey’s young son Oscar riding shotgun in the Mack cab. Staying in first gear the whole way, the giant load made light work of the traffic islands and other obstacles, with the only anxious moments over the 90-minute haul for Wright coming when the trailer started to get a bit bogged over a footpath. “The boys and I had a couple of beers after this one, that’s for sure,” said a relieved Wright, honoured to have played his part in realising his mate’s dream of launching a world-class tourist attraction. “The crew work really hard and they did an amazing job.”

The three-level pontoon features an underwater observatory and accommodation of queen-sized glamping tents on the upper deck and 20 bunks down below.

Thanks to Nightcap Hotels when you become a Big Rigs Subscriber during the month of April, May or June you are in the running to WIN one of 3 x Nightcap Hotels Giveaway including: 2 nights accommodation Welcome drink for two Express boxed breakfast for two 60+ Nightcap Hotels to choose from Big Rigs Hotel Group of Choice

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22 READER RIGS

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ripper shot of this Kenworth K200 taken by Justin Sellens at Roma during sunset.

This Dantranz Logistics road train heads up north from Perth.

Share your truck pics THE trucking game is as diverse as the terrain on which our truckies travel. If there’s one thing we know many of you love, it’s a good looking rig – and sometimes life on the open road brings some golden photo opportunities. The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

to share your best snaps through our Facebook page (@BigRigs). We’ll choose a weekly winning shot to feature as our Facebook cover photo and a selection of the best pics will be featured in the next edition of Big Rigs Newspaper. So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Mathew Moreland shared this pic of his 2018 T610 SAR with his father’s 1976 LW 924 Canadian Kenworth.

Gilberts Transport Services truckie Jakob Batchelor captured a great shot of this set-up at the Pootnoura Rest Area, just north of Coober Pedy.

Russel Walsh was driving this new C509 Kenworth, carting a load of cattle to an export boat in Darwin.

Greig Whittaker shared this photo of a Versaci Heavy Haulage K200 he fitted a new set of Michelin steers to.

Margie Dowe shared this shot of an impressive 1998 model Western Star.

Cameron Gaskell and this Exodas K200 in front of the Thallon silos in Queensland.

READER RIGS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

This 60 metre Kenworth T909 road train set-up carts iron ore out of the Pilbara region. Thanks for sharing Paul OD.

Great shot of this 2017 Kenworth T909 shared by Shaws Darwin Transport driver Jack Sally Colley, taken at the sale yards in Cloncurry, Queensland

Josh Frazer snapped this 2020 Kenworth T909 taking in the sunset on the Hay Plains.

Clarke Hema shared this great shot of an Aboods Kenworth Legend 900, taken at Forty Mile Scrub in North Queensland.

Tony Meyers drive this 2009 big cab for Menz Freight running Melbourne, Wagga and Sydney.

James Priddey snapped this 1982 Kenworth W905 hard at work in Yatala, Queensland. With almost 40 years under her belt, this classic is still going strong.

Jayson Butt captured a great shot of this Don Watson Mack Superliner at a parking bay along the Great Australian Bight on the Nullarbor.

Named Steak and Taters, this MFT Statewide Haulage Western Star 4900 was tipping off at the Nullamanna Feedlot in NSW. Thanks for sharing Kenny Cathcart.

Angelo Guarino shared this Kenworth T409 and low loader carrying an excavator from Brisbane to North Queensland.

Time for a chat – Beau Lux shared this pic of two cabovers side by side.

24 FEATURE

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Heart-warming tribute at popular Canberra convoy

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

DESPITE the skies opening up, it did little to taint the success of this year’s Rise Above Cancer Convoy, which raised over $120,000 for a very worthy cause. Just over 300 trucks and around 80 motorbikes banded together for the event, which took place on March 14, travelling from Beard, to Exhibition Park in Canberra. It’s the key fundraiser for Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief, an important charity that financially supports cancer patients and their families. “While other charities do the research, we focus on the grassroots. We pay for things like chemo, medication, provide food and fuel vouchers, and help pay for electricity and gas for cancer patients. The money goes directly to the people we say we’re going to help and it stays local too, covering the ACT and its surrounds. The truckies are our bread and butter, without them we wouldn’t be able to do most of what we do,” explained Melissa Gardiner, CEO of Rise Above. “Last year the convoy was held in February, so we made it just before Covid. We usually have it on the first weekend in February but we had so much trouble getting an exemption – it only came through just after Christmas. We are down from what we raised last year but

Nick Rivers rode the lead bike, in honour of his wife Natalie, who recently passed away from cancer.

Elvin Group was the Lead Truck, a position it’s taken for the past three years.

that’s to be expected and we are still stoked with the outcome. We couldn’t have our fair, that was cancelled – we usually take donations and have rides and everything, so it was just the truckies and the bikes entering.”

The Lead Truck went to the Elvin Group, which has held that title for the past three years, while Lead Bike was Nick Rivers, who understands the important work of Rise Above firsthand. Nick tragically lost his wife

The annual convoy is Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief’s key fundraising event.

Natalie Rivers to cancer just months ago. “He was so honoured to ride on behalf of his wife Natalie. That’s what it’s all about,” added Gardiner. He and Natalie used to take their two sons, Rhys, 13, and Aiden, 11, to see the convoy. “This is the first time I’ve ever been in it and I plan on making it an annual event. Rise Above have given us so much support and I think it was really important to not only participate for Natalie, but to also raise awareness by putting our story

out there,” he said. Rhys and Aiden got to take part too. Rhys was offered a seat in the lead truck and Aiden travelled with his uncle, who is a truckie. Nick only got his motorbike licence about six weeks before the convoy. He took a learner course on February 28 and bought himself a bike just over a week later. “I had only been riding for about six weeks. Being there was a really big buzz to be honest, the fact that every-

body showed up to show their support gave me a huge buzz. There’s been a lot of unexpected publicity for the convoy and I think every bit of that helps in raising awareness and getting the message out there,” Nick said. “Rise Above is such an important organisation and I don’t think people know how much it actually helps until they are in that situation. Rise Above is the only organisation that I know of that gives the money directly to the people.”

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26 PROFILE

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

An Atkinson fit for a King

This unique pair may have a few miles on the clock between them, but that doesn’t mean they have to slow down. BY DAVID VILE WITH such a diverse range of modern trucks working across the country it is somewhat of a rare occurrence to see a truck that is still working hard with its owner in an association that began in 1980. Such is the case with John ‘Kingy’ King, who is based in Shepparton and recently ventured to the Lockhart Truck Show with his Series 2 Atkinson which still earns its keep across a wide part of southern Australia on hay and grain transport. “I have owned it for 42 years having purchased it out of Adelaide in 1980, where it had been doing road train work and it has mainly been used on a 41-foot Lusty tipper which I also bought in 1980,” said Kingy. “It’s all original and has done over a million miles. It has a 335 Cummins and a 15 speed Roadranger in it and had an out of chassis rebuild in 1984 at Cummins in Wodonga and has done over 700,000 miles since.” The Atkinson was at Lockhart with a triaxle dropdeck trailer which was loaded with a Cletrac crawler tractor which has also been in the King family since 1952. Along with his father, Kingy purchased a brandnew Dodge in 1964 and he continued to work the truck when he moved from Cobar to Coleambally in 1969, pulling a 36-foot McGrath strap trailer hauling livestock and wool to Melbourne and Albury on a regular basis. Having always had a liking for the Atkinson product, Kingy upgraded to the Atkinson in 1980. “We started out with the petrol Dodges and in 1980 I ordered the new tipper, which was a big thing in those days, so I needed a bigger prime mover - I just liked Atkinsons, I have a Mark 1 and this Mark 2 with the half sleeper,” explained Kingy.

“I always wanted a Mark 3 which was the last of the ‘true’ Atkinson’s before International Harvester took over but instead, I finished up with a W-Model Kenworth which I also still have today.” The Atkinson was a familiar sight around the Riverina for a number of years working solidly on numerous grain and hay harvests with truck and driver travelling as far afield as southern Queensland and across to Adelaide. Now based in Shepparton, both the Atkinson and W-Model Kenworth are kept on full registration and over the last few years have continued to earn their keep on both local harvest work and on bigger trips. “With the drought a few years ago, we had a lot of work with hay moving around and last season there was a lot of grass so whenever there is some hay to shift this old girl will be tied up with that,” said Kingy. “I use the W-Model for the bigger distances up to Coonabarabran and the Queensland border as it’s a more comfortable truck but for the tighter places I need to go this is the one I use - getting over culverts through gateways into paddocks is easier and I don’t need 40 acres to turn around. “As the season goes on, I will keep this on the hay and use the Kenworth for the weekly grain runs.” Like most people of his generation who lived and grew up in rural Australia, learning to drive trucks was part and parcel of life, with Kingy cutting his teeth behind the wheel of a LendLease Chev at quite a young age. “I grew up in the back-country of New South Wales where my dad had about 100,000 acres of billy-goat country out between Cobar and Wilcannia and we used to cart our own wool into Cobar and put it on the train.

The Atkinson is all original from end to end and still earns its keep.

A proud John King with his loyal servant of 42 years in Lockhart.

“We lived about 80 miles out and it was hot and hard work…my dad used to like a few refreshers so sometimes junior here at about 8-9 years

old was required to pilot the old Chev with its 4-speed crash-box home and a fruit box under my arse so I could see over the steering wheel.”

With a couple of Dodges and machinery such as the Cletrac crawler in his collection to go with the two Atkinsons and the Kenworth,

Kingy hauled a Cletrac crawler to Lockhart which has been in the family since 1952.

Kingy has a shed in Shepparton where he undertakes the basic servicing such as oil changes and greasing with the larger jobs handled by Full-On Truck Maintenance also in Shepparton. “I lease an old fruit packing shed; I call it my ‘Men’s Shed’. I’m a bit like a bower-bird, I keep everything I inherit,” he grinned. Having previously attended the old Lockhart Country Festival in the 1970s and 1980s he was showing the Atkinson at the truck show for the first time after a nudge from another Shepparton local, Ian Sidebottom, who had his recently restored D-Line International on display. “My old mate ‘Sidey’ got me here this year - we were doing the grain harvest out at Dookie and he said, ‘It’s about time in your semi-retirement you start doing a few of these shows, you have got some old gear that is still working and in original condition so you should come to do a few shows with me’, so here I am.” With the Atkinson still running its original engine and driveline it has stood the test of time well, and Kingy reckons eventually he would like to donate it to a truck museum such as the one at Gundagai or potentially the new MOVE museum project in Shepparton, but going by his parting comments that might be some time off yet. “I’m 74 and having this interest keeps me going. I really look forward to somebody ringing me and asking if I can get a load of grain or hay and I can’t wait to go. “Golf or bowls don’t interest me. I would rather much muck around with my toys and make a bit of noise and blow a bit of smoke.”

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28 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

The frustrating case of the disappearing rest areas SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Rest area parking concerns ONE of the major concerns of drivers about rest areas is the amount of parking space at many around the country. A Tasmanian told Spy that many truckies were restless about what state government is doing with and after roadworks, which at some locations has reduced such space. “Government seem intent on removing areas that drivers could, or used to stop at, for a rest or pee. They keep forgetting to provide another site to replace the removed site or give us less area than we had in first place,” he said. One example he gave was what used to be a rest area at the top of Spring Hill southbound along the Midlands Highway. “It is now a lengthened merging lane and if a truck parks there it leaves no room for another truck to pass. What are truck drivers supposed to

do if the first truck is having issues with his truck and another pulls in behind? Do they expect trucks fully loaded to reverse uphill into traffic to get going again. It narrows as trucks try to leave, even wide loads will be exempt from using it,” he said. My informant provided a picture of a truck there to prove his point. Sanitary bins for dignity IT is an extremely personal issue and not something that many male truck drivers who have prostate cancer will talk about. These are the drivers forced to wear nappies or diapers, and in the majority of cases they don’t have access in their travels, to sanitary bins in which to dispose of them hygienically. They are embarrassed about what is a medical problem and their secondary trauma is the emotional aspect. After speaking to lots of drivers, Spy can reveal there is a massive lack of sanitary bins at rest areas/public toilets to cater for these men where they can dispose of a used nappy. With the average age of male truck drivers being over 50, those in the older age brackets are at high risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

This pull off area at Spring Hill in Tassie doesn’t have enough room for a truck to pass another that’s parked.

The low lying Gairloch Washway on the Bruce Highway floods like this every year after rain.

Statistics reveal that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. It is more common in older men, with over 63 per cent of cases diagnosed in men over 65. From experience, I have come across lots of drivers who continue driving into their seventies. These men have dedicated many years to the road transport industry and some have to continue driving for financial considerations. Others just love their jobs and the industry and continue working while they can. I once travelled to a remote part of Australia in a truck with a gent aged over 70 who had full blown prostate cancer. There were no public toilets or even rest areas along the route and roadhouses were hundreds of kilometres apart. He sadly had to head off into the bush to tend to his own needs as a result of the dreaded disease. This fellow died a few years

later and that memory has never left me. Spy has even been told of some drivers parking near shopping centres where they use a parenting room which has a sanitary bin. Some will use a unisex toilet in preference to the male loo because many have such a bin. At many toilet rest areas there are sanitary bins catering for women truckies and travellers to dispose of sanitary items. I spoke to a middle-aged female truck driver who has travelled the highways and byways for decades and asked for her opinion on the matter. “I have found that most women’s toilets do have the sanitary bins, only a rare couple I have come across that do not. I’m guessing putting these bins in the men’s toilets would cause a lot of chatter so to speak, but it would be a great idea to do it. By doing this, it may just help a lot of men with closed minds realise that this is a reality, and go get checked. I believe the men’s toilets should have these sanitary bins supplied to them,” she said. Perhaps governments should budget to fund such sanitary

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bins in all established public toilets at rest areas. In the whole scheme of things, dollars wise, it wouldn’t break the bank. But it would make life a bit more comfortable for our mates who suffer from the disease and allow them to continue to make a living in an industry they love. Bladder leakage brings high embarrassment and people need to be able to go to a toilet without fear and less stress. And to have some much deserved dignity. Melanoma discovery by wife THE wife of a WA truckie is glad she checked out her husband’s back after he mowed the lawn without a shirt. She works at a medical practice typing up reports and that gave her a rough knowledge of certain ailments and conditions. This woman looked at her husband’s back and found a roundish black mark which she immediately thought could be a melanoma. Being a normal man however, hubby fobbed it off but after constant verbal bombardment

from his concerned partner, he went to a doctor. The lump was surgically removed and sent off to pathology for a diagnosis. Indeed it was a melanoma but the report indicated the Good Doctor had removed it with a margin. A melanoma, which can enter into the blood stream, can turn up on any part of the body and be deadly. Bruce Highway flood concerns THE Gairloch Washway is arguably the most flood prone stretch of the Bruce Highway and many truckies have expressed concerns that it needs an upgrade. The Washway, or Gairloch Overflow as it is also known, is just north of Ingham. Whenever there is decent rain the washway floods and often closes the Bruce Highway, which occurred most recently last month. Nearby highway sections at the Seymour and Arnot Creek used to also flood and close the important highway number one. However these were upgrad-

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 ed and heightened and since there has been few problems. The $48 million cash splash of funding for upgrades of the highway between Ingham and Cardwell promised by the government does not include the Gairloch Washway. Instead much of the money will go to a bypass around Ingham which is about as popular as “passing wind in a lift” with local residents. They fear that if the Bruce Highway doesn’t continue to run through Ingham it would be devastating for local businesses. Having been stuck at the Gairloch Crossing several times over the years, I can tell you it is not a nice experience. Shane Warne the truckie HAVING the same name as Australia’s greatest ever test cricket wicket taker has been interesting for veteran driver Shane Warne. I met up unexpectedly with the 49-year-old deep in the tropics last month as he stood beside the near new Kenworth 659 he drives for Gleich Contractors based at Tingoora. When he told me his

The highway sign at York in WA on the way to Kalgoorlie.

name, I asked him to show me ID to prove it, which he did. Cricketing Warne is now aged 51 and took 704 test wickets in 145 test matches for Australia bowling his leg spinners.

He is now a popular cricket commentator who travels around the world. “I do get people mentioning to me about being named Shane Warne but not as many as when he was still playing cricket,” Warne said.

A truck parked across from the Belyando Crossing Roadhouse along the lonely Kennedy Development Highway.

A truckie since he was 19, Warne’s first job was with John Nash Transport, carting glass from the Dandenong region of Victoria. “I’ve been with this company for three years and they are my best ever. The truck has every comfort,” he said. These days Warne hauls commodities and hay around Australia and had just travelled along the Aramac to Torrens Creek Road to deliver to Corfield. “I like stopping at the Caltex Goondiwindi as they serve great food,” he said. Warne doesn’t follow cricket in his off time and his main hobby is restoring old trucks. “I am restoring a 76R Model Mack and a 1974 S2 Kenworth,” he said. I told Warne that I had previously heard stories of truck drivers with famous names including Bill Clinton, George Bush, Muhammad Ali and others. Breaches in WA SEVERAL West Australian drivers reckon that consolidated revenue from traffic fines would increase if po-

This truckie shares the same name as cricketing great Shane Warne.

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lice did more patrols on the highway between York and Kalgoorlie. Both these lads travel along there regularly and reckon they have seen a spike in speedsters and other traffic breaches in the past few months. Oh lonesome me HEARING the Don Gibson song Oh Lonesome Me on the radio at a roadhouse parking area sparked an interesting conversation amongst a small group of truckies. “That reminds me of the long drive across the Nullarbor Plains Highway which would have to be the loneliest and most boring in Australia,” one said. But the other lads didn’t agree and another suggested the 360km highway between Winton and Boulia would surpass it. The five-hour drive along The Landsborough Way is smooth sailing with only one town to break up the drive: Middleton where there is just a wooden hotel. A third was adamant that the 350km highway between Charters Towers and Clermont

was a hands down winner. “The only decent stop is the Belyando Crossing Roadhouse about roughly halfway along it,” he said. It is 350km along the Gregory Development Road. The fourth was certain the Tanami Track in the NT was “miles above the others” – pardon the pun. It is 1,053km and is a major link between Central Australia and the Kimberley region of WA. Victorian roadworks praised RARELY do drivers go out of their way to praise roadworks, which are ongoing all around our vast country. However, a South Australian truckie contacted Spy to give the thumbs up for roadworks around Ouyen in Victoria. “I was around there recently and was impressed and once the work is finished it will be good,” he said. Ouyen is a nice little rural town at the junction of the Calder Highway and Mallee Highway, 105 kilometres south of Mildura, and 441 km northwest of Melbourne.

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Tassie Truckin’ Bruce Clifford

PASSING through Kempton the other day we made our way through the extensive renovations to the 24-hour Caltex Truckstop and Roadhouse, and were fortunate to catch up with Bruce Clifford from Legana. Driving an eye-catching Beams Brothers Transport 2013 TGS 26.540 Euro 5 Quarry Specked MAN he was towing a quad dog on his return to Flowery Gulley from

Sand Fly. “This is a great outfit and I’ve been here for five good years now,” he told us. “Prior to this I have done quite a few kilometres on the road including spending 2011 on the big Island carting grapes, grain and sugar and that was interesting. Before Clifford took up driving professionally he worked at the aluminium

Joel Clements smelters at Bell Bay for about 30 years. “But I have really enjoyed getting out on the road and all the variety that involves, including meeting some really nice people along the way. “I would have to say I was encouraged to go truck driving by the late Kevin Hinds from Beaconsfield who was a genuine Boral legend, and a true gentleman. “By the way, this truck was originally driven by Paul Clements, Joel’s father, who kept it in mint condition, always.” We asked Clifford how he spent his time off, and he told us: “Well I have just bought, and driven home from Wollongong 3 weeks ago, a 2006 MX-5 roadster with 82,000 on the clock, which promises to be heaps of fun, and we enjoy caravanning and doing all the traditional family stuff, of course, especially with the grandkids. And finally, I am aiming at retiring come the end of the financial year.”

Amber Brosnan IT is always a pleasure to catch up with women driving professionally, and so it was the other day when Amber Brosnan (Sarah Brosnan’s daughter) rolled in to Mood Food at Kempton. She was driving a smick Dave Richards Contracting’s 2012 Western Star Constellation with a Series 60 up front at the time, and she was on her return leg towing a fridge pan from Hobart back to Devonport. “I am now the third generation driving trucks in the family,

and am loving it so far, it’s just the best feeling there is, especially when everything goes right. “I grew up helping Mum and learning the job and tinkering with bits and pieces. And this is my first big trip today, and I am so excited to be here driving the Western Star, and everything is going so well so far.” Brosnan added that she was currently working as a cleaner, and odds and ends for Matt Ryan, and she was hoping that this work for Richards would be

with Jonathan Wallis

invaluable in getting her serious work in the Industry. “Dave was very happy too as I was able to help him keep two trucks working today, and he was nice enough to take me on for this run, so I am hoping.” Bruce Knight from Devonport, who has been Brosnan’s trainer at OnRoad Offroad Training, was along for the ride to bolster her confidence. “It is so nice to be here watching Amber taking her first trip, and following in the family tradition. “That is one of the big weaknesses in the industry at the moment as the various OH & S requirements prevent young people from going out on the road with their fathers/mothers as they did in the old days, and learning the craft from the ground up as they used to do. Amber is doing a great job, and it is a real pleasure being here with her today, and I am sure she has a bright future ahead and we all wish her well.”

STOPPING over for lunch at Kempton the other day at the Caltex Truckstop and Roadhouse, we were thrilled to meet up with Joel Clements from Legana out the back when he called in, keeping company with Bruce Clifford for a refreshment break. Driving an eye-catching Beams Brothers Transport 480 Hp 2014 FS Hino 700 at the time, he was towing a Super dog, and was also on his return to Flowery Gulley from Sand Fly.

“We took lime down, and are running back empty and being out on the road on a mild sunny warm day like this is a real pleasure,” said Clements. “I’ve been here with them for 10 good years now following in my dad’s footsteps now and I’d have to say they are a truly top outfit. “In actual fact I have spent my whole driving life here with them, and reckon you couldn’t get a better job, or a better more helpful crowd to work with. “I started out life as a

butcher, but I always liked driving, and trucks, and I’d have to say I am a lot happier out on the open road, having a good look around the state into the bargain, than I was cutting up meat.” Time off, he told us, was pretty well centred around Football. “I volunteer with the Bridgenorth Football Club (Australian Rules) and help out with the Juniors, and play the odd game here and there and of course get involved in family stuff.”

Leigh Phillips and Dwayne McDonald IT was a great surprise to catch up with our old friend Leigh Phillips, from Saint Arnaud in Victoria, at Kempton the other day, in company with Dwayne McDonald, promoter for the Red Hot Summer Tour. They were currently enroute from Launceston to set things up for the event in the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens, and they were enjoying their stay in Tasmania hugely, as always. The last time we featured Phillips in Big Rigs was approximately 19 years ago, when he stopped over at the BP at Wingfield driving his 1982 S-Line along with his son Brenton, aged 12 then, but 31 now. Also Phillips then had black hair, and I had hair as well, and so there were many reminiscences about friends

in the industry from those days especially Lenny Smith, Gerri Hoare, Grand-dad, Billy Taylor, Ronny Ryan, young Tommy Buckle and co, and it was great to swap yarns and reminiscences about the ‘good old days’. It turns out in the interim that Phillips and wife Lynne

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have subsequently bought and run the Saint Arnaud Junction Roadhouse, and in their spare time, Phillips operates a couple of trucks and trailers, and McDonald likewise, and they kind of mix and match them as Phillips organises the freight for the Red Hot Summer Tour trips.

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Truckin’ In The Tropics

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Four amigos

Dave Homburg

PARKED beside each other at a roadhouse in north Queensland were truckies Michael Mills, Bevan Mobbs, Jake Fiedler and Shane Warne. They all drive flashy Kenworth trucks and had brought up general from northern NSW to Townsville and were delighted to talk to Big Rigs. I referred to these super friendly drivers as the Four Amigos as we yarned about the road transport industry. Mills, 44, works for the VE Group and said he enjoyed getting up to the tropics. “It is good here at BP Cluden because there are good clean facilities for us and a major shopping centre a short walk away,” he said. Aged 57, Mobbs has been a truckie for 35 years and works for Daltrans based out of Toowoomba. “The worst road I have driven on lately is between Aramac and Torren’s Creek,’’ he said.

SOME years back Dave Homburg owned 19 trucks, but these days the friendly owner-operator runs just one – A 2008 Western Star 4800 series 60. The 52-year-old’s company is JMB Haulage and he is based at Tahmoor in NSW. I saw him in Townsville recently. He had brought up steel from Sydney and was waiting for news of a backload. Homburg said he sold the rest of the trucks seven years ago and has kept the Western Star which he purchased new. “I just love the Western Star and wouldn’t part with it.” On his travels, Homburg likes stopping at BP Grafton even though it used to be on the main highway and has been bypassed. Homburg doesn’t use an electronic logbook and can’t see himself getting one in the near future, unless the law

says he has to. The first truck he drove was a 1988 UD Nissan known as a Jap road train and like many others, he says there is a genuine shortage of rest areas for drivers.

Of Dutch descent but born in Australia, Homburg said he got into the road transport industry through his father who was a truckie. “My three sons have done their apprenticeships like me in the passenger seats as kids and have followed me into transport. My eldest being an owner driver and my other two being drivers,” he said. I asked Homburg about the challenges facing drivers, especially small operators such as himself. “Every day is a challenge worrying about enough work and a decent rate. But I subbie for a Sydney bloke who is fair and looks after me,” he said. Homburg had driven through a plague of insects on the way up to the tropics and said he would like to wash his beloved Western Star. “They were on the inland road near Emerald,” he said.

Why so? Well for a starter WHY does Kelly love scalies, which would be dirty words to many. However Kelly does qualify that statement by declaring with a wry smile, “NT scalies.

I got pulled up by them the other day 100km from Alice Springs and they did a compliance check. But they were courteous and even wished me a safe trip. I have found them good to deal with. Queensland ones are not usually that friendly,” he said. Sometimes when I speak to drivers they are critical of their bosses but we never print the comments for obvious reasons. But Kelly was genuinely passionate as he praised his boss, the man named Ringer who wears a big Cowboys hat. “In all my time as a truckie I have never struck a boss who is so good to his workers. He is appreciative of what we do and not only that is a top bloke and a friend,” Kelly said. He also reckons the roads in the NT are far superior to others around Australia, but to be fair, he is not on his lonesome with that remark. “Truckies have a speed

limit of 100km per hour and the roads are generally in good condition,” he said. However, he was not so complimentary about Queensland highways and byways. “A lot of them need work,” he said. I asked Kelly if he had a favourite roadhouse and he thought about it and nominated four. “I would have to say that the Renner Springs Desert Inn tops the list as the food is good and the people there go out of their way to look after truckies and help us,” he said. The others he likes are Darwin’s BP Truck Central, Barkly Homestead and Three Ways Roadhouse. As for hobbies outside work, Kelly said he is looking forward to the NRL season. “I barrack for the Sydney Roosters and hope they can win the comp again after missing out in the finals last year. But they won the previous two premierships.”

(l-r) Shane Warne, Jake Fiedler, Michael Mills and Bevan Mobbs.

Fiedler and Warne are employed by the Gleich Group and dislike the “idiot car drivers” they encounter on their travels. There was a fifth amigo but he wasn’t in the vicinity to have

his pic snapped with the lads. Check out the Spy on the Road column [page 28-29] to read about the interesting life of Shane Warne who has the same name as Australia’s highest wicket taker in test cricket.

Brian - aka Ned - Kelly A GENUINE character of the industry in the tropics, Brian Kelly is the only truckie I have interviewed who says he “loves scalies”. And this truckie with a genuine difference also told me that “only two people in the world know him by his correct Christian name of Brian”. “Everybody else calls me Ned which is a name my grandmother gave me when I was born. I know it is after the bushranger Ned Kelly but hardly anyone would even know my real name is Brian,” he said. I saw the 52-year-old along the Townsville Port Access Road earlier last month. He works for Ringers Haulage Transport which is based at the Bohle on the northern outskirts of Townsville and delivers around Queensland, and into the NT and WA. Kelly was driving a Kenworth 909 which he said needed a clean. “I do a run to the North-

ern Territory every fortnight and have been with Ringers for two years and a truckie for 25,” he said. His Kenworth is named ‘Old Territory Time’ and Kelly said that initiated from

a previous driver. At this point of our wonderful and entertaining chinwag, I noticed Kelly had many different views to the majority of truckies around the country.

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Fuelling up

Hotel Dunedoo, NSW

A sign at the front welcomes truckies. Image: Facebook.

HEADING down the Golden Highway in the small town of Dunedoo, a heritage pub that was built over 100 years ago sits on a street corner. A sign out the front that reads “Free hot showers for truckies” has become a permanent fixture of the façade for the last 18 months or so. We spoke with the pub’s owners to learn the story behind the sign. Husband and wife duo Marlitt Herr and Glenn Chapman took over the pub about six years ago. Previously they had been operating a charter boat in Sydney but were looking for an escape from the bustling city lifestyle. Their tree change came in the form of this quiet country town, which answered their call. Dunedoo sits in the Warrumbungle region of NSW. It’s between Mudgee and Dubbo (around 80km from each). “We get a lot of truckies going through our town. It’s a crossroads on the way to a lot of places and we have a big Catlex truckstop located just across the road,” said Herr. “As well as the hot showers, we also have tea and coffee fa-

cilities for truckies too. Hotel Dunedoo has good food, good beer and we do big healthy meals, like steaks and all of that sort of stuff.” The chicken schnitzel, mixed grills and burgers are always popular as are the nightly specials – particularly the $15 ribs special on Wednesdays

and the $17 t-bone special each Thursday. “We also have other specials throughout the week but those two are the big nights that bring a lot of people in,” added Herr. The pub can seat around 100 people and has a pool table out the back. During COVID, Herr and

Chapman took the opportunity to freshen up the interior with some new timber work and a fresh paintjob. “Because we were the only venue in town doing takeaway during lockdowns, it wasn’t as bad for us as it could’ve been. We got a lot of support from the locals too,” said Herr.

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Fuelling up

The Gold Nugget Truckstop, QLD

Ken Lavender manages the Gold Nugget in Gypmie.

IF there’s one way to sum up The Gold Nugget Truckstop in Gympie, it’s a good old fashioned roadhouse with old school values. Located about two hours north of Brisbane, Gold Nugget was originally opened around 30 years ago. It was taken over by the local Madill family in 2007, with Ken Lavender at the helm as manager. “It started out as a small family run petrol station and caravan park and has grown from there. The previous owner added a log style cabin for

the restaurant, which pays homage to Gympie’s timber and forestry history. It’s a beautiful building,” said Lavender. “It’s much loved by the truckies who travel up and down the Bruce Highway – known for its character and what it offers, including the food.” The restaurant is open from 6am to 10pm every day of the year, closing only on Christmas day. However there are food offerings available at the service station outside of those hours too.

A log style cabin serves as the restaurant, a reference to the area’s timber and forestry history.

The ‘B-double Breakfast’ is The Gold Nugget’s take on a big breakfast. In it, you’ll find everything from lamb chops, steak and sausages, to eggs, hash browns, bacon and grilled tomatoes. For dinner, there are roast specials every night, served with a choice of veggies, chips and salad, or chips and eggs. The bread and butter pud-

dings are a popular choice for dessert. According to Lavender, the emphasis is on fresh. “It’s old style roadhouse food, home cooked and always fresh. We only serve veggies from 5pm until they run out, so the freshness and quality is always there.” Aside from the great food, expect clean toilets and show-

ers, with shaving sinks and mirrors. There is also ample room to park up your rig and rest for the night. “We can fit anywhere up to 20 trucks at the back if they’re parked neat and tidy. We get a lot of regular truck drivers who sleep here and utilise the facilities,” added Lavender. “We get a lot of positive feedback from our truck driv-

ers in regards to the quality of the food and what we put on the table. As well as truckies coming in, we also now get a lot of fisherman, caravaners, travellers, as well as business clientele who are passing through too.” The Gold Nugget Truckstop is located at 690 Bruce Highway, Gympie.

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FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Will installing safety tech reduce your premiums?

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN Manager, TBI Insurance Services

WE are always being asked by our clients whether it would be beneficial to their business and will it reduce their insurance premiums if they install a dashcam, in-cabin cameras and or a facial recognition camera in their vehicles. Before we go any further, everyone has an opinion on this issue, and those opinions are many and varied and come from the so-called experts who have never sat in a truck let alone driven a truck, to those who live in their trucks all week and drive 1000’s of kilometres week. The following comments are our personal comments and in no way should be considered the opinion of any insurer or any other party. Dashcams Dashcams are an absolute no brainer in our opinion, just be sure to install one that has GPS with time and date stamp. Dashcams provide video evidence of and in some cases also provide some colourful running commentary

WE WOULD PREFER THE INSURERS TO SUPPORT A PUSH FOR AN OVERHAUL OF THE LOGBOOK/ DRIVING/WORKING HOURS FRAMEWORK IN A REAL AND CONCERTED EFFORT TO ACHIEVE A COMMON GOAL, TO SAVE MONEY BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY SAVE LIVES. MARK BROWN

of accidents, near misses and the foolish, selfish behaviour of other motorists, in and around heavy vehicles. As for getting a discount on your insurance, most likely not. Dashcams do not prevent accidents which is the reason why an insurer would offer a discount. However, a dashcam can help in your efforts to prove you were not at fault in an accident and as such will help in recovering the cost of the claim from the third party which is to your benefit. Rear cabin cameras Similar to dashcams, however they provide a little more information regarding the drivers’ reactions to incidents, but lacks the footage detail that

Dashcams provide video evidence of accidents, near misses and the foolish, selfish behaviour of other motorists. Picture: Michael Maunder Facebook.

Mark Brown believes that the introduction of facial recognition cameras has deflected the conversation from the only solution to managing fatigue and that is to prevent fatigue.

a dash/windscreen mounted camera would provide. Once again, these cameras don’t necessarily prevent accidents therefore not much chance of having a discount applied to your premiums. Facial recognition cameras The elephant in the room! Once again this is my personal opinion based on personal observations as both a driver with over 3 million kilometres under the belt and having also worked in transport insurance for many years. Unfortunately it seems too much emphasis has been placed on these types of cameras with the expectation that they will prevent accidents by alerting the driver that they are fatigued. They may prevent some accidents and of course anything that can help save a life is a good thing. However, our belief is the introduction of these cameras has deflected the conversation from the only solution to managing fatigue and that is to prevent fatigue. A driver’s working/driving hours and how a driver is forced to conform to the strict logbook regulations do not work and actually contribute to fatigue.

Dashcams do not prevent accidents which is the reason why an insurer would offer a discount.

The only solution is the one that all the authorities and experts seem to be overlooking. The solution to fatigue is the drivers themselves, along with silent majority of 20,000+ owner/operators in this country and the political will from governments to seek advice and guidance from the ones at the coalface, the real stakeholders in fatigue. Unfortunately, it is these types of cameras that some insurers may give a premium

discount. Personally, we would prefer the insurers to support a push for an overhaul of the logbook/ driving/working hours framework in a real and concerted effort to achieve a common goal, to save money but more importantly save lives. Important: All answers and information contained within this article should be considered as General Advice Only. This advice should only be considered as

General in Nature and its intent is only to prompt the readers to investigate their own individual insurances. It has been prepared without taking into account the readers own individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, the client or any persons should consider its appropriateness (having regard to their objectives, needs and financial situation) and seek further independent advice from their own financial advisor.

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36 COLUMN

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies’ pay needs to better reflect what you do

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

WE WANT TO BRING THE YARDS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY UP TO A SET OF RATES OF PAY THAT REFLECT WHAT YOU DO.

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

TWU NEWS RICHARDOLSEN OLSEN RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary TWU NSW State Secretary

Principal Lawyer RK Law

RICHARD OLSEN

THE time is now, the time to seek the changes needed in the transport industry. This is the year we seek the respect that Transport Workers deserve. With people returning to work, the economy beginning to move again, it is now time to make the big push for industry rates in the supply chains. It is time to achieve increases for Transport Workers who kept the country moving. As your union, we are about to walk into our next round of negotiations across the transport industry. We are currently holding meetings with delegates from a range of industries to authorise logs of claim and put them out for the rank and file to vote. At the forefront of members claims will be job securi-

Working together means that we can organise for change to deal with the problems drivers face every day.

ty for transport workers right across the industry. The driving force behind everything we will do is industry standards, we want to bring the yards across the industry up to a set of rates of pay that reflect what you do. We are looking to ensure a level playing field which en-

sures workers are paid fairly. Members are taking the necessary steps towards building a collective TWU power and rejecting insultingly substandard agreements and deals. The pandemic has seen the business of moving freight grow. Where a company chooses to put that income

only into the bottom profit line then members will say no. The TWU continues to walk beside transport workers. Working together means that we can organise for change to deal with the problems drivers face every day. Our collective voice exists because you have joined the

fight; we have a stronger voice. We will hold companies and governments to account to ensure a safer and fairer industry, we will stand as one union, we will bargain as one union and we will take on the companies and clients as one union. We need to do this because

Safe Work Australia statistics show a jump in the number of transport workers killed. In the last five years, 895 people died in truck crashes, according to the Bureau for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics. We will continue our push for safety and fairness throughout the transport industry supply chains. We will also continue to push the Federal Government to put in place mechanisms to hold companies at top to account. Importantly all of us working together and taking a stand to improve our industry will achieve this. Please stay in contact with your delegate or TWU officials to find out how you can get involved today.

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COLUMN 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Supply chain sovereignty essential VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

THE VTA was pleased to host over 180 members and transport industry participants at its recent state conference, where a variety of speakers addressed delegates on the topic of What’s in Front of the Transport Industry. In my opening address I was keen to emphasise the importance of supply chain sovereignty for Australia to maintain its high standards of living, as the nation emerges from the Covid pandemic and vaccinations are rolled out across the country. As an island nation and democracy that relies on imports for sustaining our quality of life, Australia relies on the certainty from supply chains. We enjoy the status of having the 5th highest ranking in living standards in the world. But

what can we do better? How do we maintain and improve upon what has been created? Supply chains, logistics and transport systems are vital for a country such as Australia because they link markets, community and people. Covid has challenged us to question whether current supply chains are flexible enough and whether they are able to carry an increase in capacity or are just too expensive to operate any other way. Some people may think we have been slow to develop these supply chains, that they are not productive enough or do not meet the needs of the market. There is no doubt that the pandemic in Australia has highlighted the importance of these supply chains. The fact that freight transport did not stop, could not stop and was able to gain recognition, exemption and acknowledgment of making sure that we were all supplied with the goods that we need to maintain our current standards of living. We must continually question whether Australia as a

There is no doubt that the pandemic in Australia has highlighted the importance of our supply chains.

nation is doing enough to secure its supply chains so as not to risk eroding standards of living, inhibiting growth or diminishing resilience, using fuel energy security and trade as examples. If we do not source and refine our own fuel and depend solely on international suppliers how vulnerable is our standard of living if this supply is interrupted. Or if China represents approximately 18-20 per cent of all imported goods that you will find in homes today, how would we resource these goods if there was an interruption with supply from China?

As another example, in the road transport industry the only recognised qualification for a heavy vehicle is a license. Under the current system you do not need to be trained to gain a license. The industry does not look at the license as a qualification and will not employ those individuals who have just gained a heavy vehicle license. The industry wants all heavy vehicle drivers to be trained before they are given a licence. The National Road Transport Commission produced a study with recommendations on the issue in 1995. Nothing changed. The COAG

Transport Industry Council requested a report on the issue in 2013, with the final report delivered in 2018. Nothing changed. A new report has been requested and is due for delivery in 2022. The road transport industry is still struggling with drivers who are not trained before they get behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle. It takes courage to build an appetite for reform, which is what we need from our political and regulatory leaders. The irony of Covid is that it’s probably done more to help consumers build awareness and appreciate supply

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chains than any other event in recent history. When you’re confronted with supermarket shelves that have been emptied of toilet paper, canned goods, pasta, fresh meat and poultry, and you’re forced to order online because you’ve been restricted from travelling more than five kilometres from home for months on end, you start to think and question how goods get to market. Our domestic supply chain foresights and reactions must look to understand what needs to be done and take advantage of the resources at hand.

avman

38 COLUMN

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

A busy few weeks ahead

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

AIR CTI founder/owner

Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

Australia

AFTER the hugely successful International Women’s Day events, Transport Women Australia Limited is in top gear for the Driving the Difference conference to be held at the Mantra Epping in May, just nine weeks away. THE OZ TRUCKER We announced last week MIKE WILLIAMS Jacqui Alder and David Colecontributors@bigrigs.com.au man as our keynote speakers. We’re very pleased to have them open and close out our conference. Other speakers on the programme include Kerrie Challenor from NTI and Jodie Palmer of Volvo Group, we also have presentations from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and TWUSUPER. We have representatives from our Woman Driving LOBBYIST Transport Careers initiative and STEVE SHEARER two our Driving SA Roadof Transport Association the DifferExecutive Director ence scholarship winners – Kerri Connors 2019 and Alexandra del Piero from 2020. We will be bringing you the names of new speakers as we get closer to the conference. Registrations are open and

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NSW State Secretary

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

Principal Lawyer RK Law

The ATA SafeT360 truck will be a feature attraction at the Driving the Difference conference in May. Inset: Keynote speaker Jacqui Alder.

Keynote speaker Jacqui Alder.

bookings have started coming in. Bookings are available at https://www.trybooking.com/ BNXOP. Accommodation is available at the Mantra Epping, please quote Transport Women Australia. The ATA SafeT360 truck will be attending, and we look forward to welcoming local high schools and the Girl Guides Australia troops to the display.

sisted by Queensland director, Elizabeth McGrath and the amazing Mantons, Merry and Emma. The speaker is Kim Skubris a well-known journalist and Ambassador for the Daniel Morecambe Foundation. Kim is sponsored for the event by our Foundation Business Partner, NTI. It has been so heartening to see the positive press around the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds initiative and oth-

Also, many of our members may not have had the opportunity to visit this industry initiative and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. Prior to the conference, we will be represented at several other important industry events. I am speaking at the ARTIO Women in Transport breakfast in Sydney on March 25, and on the NTI Lunch and Learn Session on March 30. I am also presenting at the Snowy Monaro Heavy Vehicle

Freight Forum in Cooma on April 14 and TWAL will be part of the Aerotropolis, E-commerce, Transport & Logistics careers at Prairiewood High School on May 4. We are also hosting our Brisbane Truck Show breakfast again on May 14, tickets are selling fast and are available at https://www.trybooking.com/ BPNBS. The event will be hosted by our Co Vice Chair, Coralie Chapman who will be ably as-

er programmes aimed at both physical and mental health in our industry. It is long overdue, and I am hopeful that it may now be addressed in a full and open manner with support from both inside and outside the industry, without laying blame on anyone. For all queries regarding Transport Women Australia Limited, please contact chair@transportwomen.com. au or 0417422319.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Essential businesses still hard-hit INDUSTRY ADVOCATE ANDREW MCKELLAR CEO, Australian Trucking Association

MORE THAN a third of trucking businesses are still impacted by coronavirus challenges, facing reduced demand and reduced cashflow. In an industry that keep our country moving, many are still hard-hit. Every single Australian has been impacted by the pandemic at some point, but the one thing that has remained constant is the effort of trucking businesses across the country working hard on the frontline to keep communities supplied and connected. Whether it be keeping our petrol stations fueled, supermarkets stocked, or online orders delivered to our doors, the trucking industry has kept Australia moving. To help businesses recover, truck charges were frozen for the 2020-21 period – a move

that was warmly welcomed by industry. The Australian economy is recovering from the sharp recession caused by the pandemic – but it is still recovering. The transport and logistics sector’s contribution to the economy declined 16.8 per cent through the year to the December quarter 2020, despite an end of year rally as rural operators transported the second largest grain crop on record. Earlier this year, the National Transport Commission released its 2021-22 heavy vehicle charges consultation report, recommending that truck charges should increase 2.5 per cent. This recommendation is consistent with the approach that ministers originally agreed to adopt for 2020 21, based on an inflation forecast from May 2019. However, what has changed since 2019 are the economic outlook and the outlook for trucking businesses and their customers. The government proposal would see charges rise by substantially more than inflation and more than many truck-

The transport and logistics sector’s contribution to the economy declined 16.8 per cent through the year to the December quarter 2020.

ing businesses can afford. Treasury’s inflation forecast for 2021-22 is 1.5 per cent. In a submission in response to the NTC report, the ATA recommended that governments should not increase charges by more than expected inflation rate, a move that would save small trucking businesses hundreds of dollars a year. In a time where Australia’s hardworking trucking businesses, many of whom are small or family-owned, are facing hardship, we must see measures that reflect the current financial environment. In a survey of Australian trucking businesses in Febru-

ary - March 2021, the ATA found more than a third of trucking businesses reported that activity was still down compared to immediately before the bushfires and the start of the pandemic. The survey also told us that many businesses continue to have limited ability to pass on registration charges and changes in the fuel price, including changes in fuel tax credits. “It is near impossible for me to pass on costs as I don’t set the rates as a subcontractor. It’s either take what’s offered or go without,” one non-employing survey respondent said. Another said: “Being a very small family business,

increasing our costs to customers increases our chances of losing those customers indefinitely to bigger companies who have the ability to undercut our prices”. Larger businesses told us they had more ability to pass on costs, but that the market was still very difficult: “If we are lucky, we can review our rates on an annual basis to cover CPI increases,” one business said. From owner-drivers to those with hundreds of employees, they are seeing reduced demand and reduce cashflow. While the recovery effort continues, there is still more to be done. Our submission also ar-

gued for measures to make charges fairer and more affordable, and improve the cashflow of businesses. We need action against payment times longer than 30 days, the extension of price regulation to truck tolls and port access charges and changes to allow businesses to pay truck registration charges by monthly direct debit. Trucking is essential to our economy, our lifestyle and services all industries from construction through to agriculture and retail. That’s why it is vital these essential businesses continue to receive the right support. To view the ATA submission, head to www.truck.net.au

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020

40 PUZZLES

Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

10 11

12 13

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine the restruc16 17 under 18 ture and rationalisation of News Corp. It is a sad day for all of us in the 22 industry as Big Rigs maga23 zine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years. For some, their entire careers so far. 25 It will leave huge gap as the editors and staff have supported the industry, provided fair and rational debate and given everyone a fair say in industry doings to all, as well as stories, pictures and news of our peoEASY ple, our trucks and our unsung heroes. Our lives will be the poorer for its demise; being a columnist for Big Rigs for the past year and half has allowed me to fulfil yet another childhood dream, to write, and it has given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some. While so many are focused on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

Across

positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change. I began writing column when I was returned as Transport Women Australia Limited chair in 14 November 2017. 15 In the interim, TWAL has had many successes and achievements. It has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 19 and been involved with 20 21 several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna24 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport in26 dustry. We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating Connections conference. This initiative has been in hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but all partners are excited to move forward to expand the program as soon as possible. We held a well attended and exciting conference in May 2018 and we have plans in place with the date saved and venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

1 When one turns aside, one does what (6) 8 Which gland secretes important digestive fluid (8) 9 That which has a harsh, disagreeable taste is called what (6) 10 Which city was formerly Constantinople (8) 11 What is something to be learnt or studied (6) 13 Name another term for wolfram (8) 16 To be deeply regretted, is to be what (8) 19 What is a person from whom a place takes its name (6) 22 Which key starts a car (8) 24 To make beloved, is to do what (6) 25 What are military commanders known as (8) 26 When one walks with a vain, pompous bearing, one does what (6)

7 Name a renowned European river (6) 12 Which pit, well, or the like, collects liquid (4) 14 Name an alternative term for nakedness (8) 15 What is larger than a village, but smaller than a city (4) 17 What, in golf, are scores two below par (6) 18 To linger idly, is to do what (6) 20 To be of greater age is to be what (5) 21 Name a single-celled fungus (5) 23 Baghdad is the capital of which Asian republic (4)

Down

2 What is a sound uttered through the mouth of a human being (5) 3 What are council charges (5) 4 Name a full-speed runner† (8) 5 What is a single thing (4) 6 What are enclosures for sports contests (6)

U A N I S T

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Averts, 8 Pancreas, 9 Bitter, 10 Istanbul, 11 Lesson, 13 Tungsten, 16 Deplored, 19 Eponym, 22 Ignition, 24 Endear, 25 Generals, 26 Struts.

A D C R E A S E N A N B U L A B G S T E N O W P O N Y M L E N D E A R E S T R U T S

U N U E D E O N E L S S

A V E R T S O A P B I T T E R C E I L E S S O N U T M E D E P L O R A O I G N I T I L T R G E N E R A S R Q

Down: 2 Voice, 3 Rates, 4 Sprinter, 5 Unit, 6 Arenas, 7 Danube, 12 Sump, 14 Nudeness, 15 Town, 17 Eagles, 18 Loiter, 20 Older, 21 Yeast, 23 Iraq.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman. Picture: Contributed

in Melbourne. 1 2 In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at 8 The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four 10 the Difwinners 9 of the Driving ference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia 12Pacific. We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial 3 Award, sponsored 4 by the 5 wonderful Wes Pickering. This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 11 and longest serving director chair of Transport Women Australia Limited. This is an annual award and 13 the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award

will 6 be announced later 7 this year at an event still to be determined. We have also launched our Learning Initiatives Breakfast Series with several partners so far, including NTI, MOVE BANK and rt health. In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

Across

gram. 1 I would Cudgellike to thank the 4 Ape team at Big Rigs fantastic 8 Devotional exercise newspaper for their incredible 9 Agitate support and wish them on11 Time in grammar going success. that I get the oppor12I hope Article tunity to continue to work with 14 Land measure some of them and so work to15 Vent wards making the trucking 19 One granting a lease industry a better appreciated, 21 Monkey and a safer place for our peo22 Musical sound ple.

24 27 29 30 31

Keyboard instrument Judge Got up Discharge in disgrace Halt

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU played their parts 21 19 20 HARD

C L U B N O V O S T I R I T E M O R E E S S O T R G A N A R I X P E L

M I E N T E P U T R N O D S E S

L A T E N T

M I C A R N S E A E T P E E E M O O P

HARD

A L C O V E

EASY

policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia. To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, 24 “a death at work 25 Glenn Sterle, or on the road should not be the price of doing business”. The TWU puts it to govern29 ments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients. 30must be paid proper Drivers rates, owner-drivers must be able to trust they will be paid properly for the work they do and on time. Families depend on this. Many of the ongoing problems that occur are down to the big clients squeezing our

22 26

industry as dry as they can. They want operators to meet their unrealistic deadlines and take on more freight for less or they face the risk of

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losing their contracts and the ability to support their families. It appears the government does not care. 28 There are unsafe vehicles, dodgy licences, poor payment times, wage and superannuation theft – just a few of the many things we have called for to be stopped. A reminder to governments and the transport industry clients: the industry that has kept Australia moving during the pandemic is facing an uphill battle. Employer groups should be standing alongside transport workers to unite for a safer and fairer industry.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Club, 4 Mimic, 8 Novena, 9 Stir, 11 Tense, 12 Item, 14 Are, 15 Outlet, 19 Lessor, 21 Ape, 22 Note, 24 Organ, 27 Deem, 29 Arisen, 30 Expel, 31 Stop. Down: 1 Cos, 2 Unites, 3 Bore, 4 Met, 5 Inept, 6 Man, 7 Create, 10 Tire, 13 Moo, 14 Alcove, 16 Urn, 17 Latent, 18 Epee, 20 Stare, 23 Odes, 25 Gap, 26 Nil, 28 Mop.

THIS is the end of an era, the last TWU column in the trusted transport industry publication Big Rigs. Over the years the TWU and Big Rigs have played their parts in the role of keeping the top end of town accountable and doing our bit to look out for the rights of the little guy. It’s still about the voice that speaks out for the truck driver,

the owner and the employee. It’s been the voice that calls out for fair pay for the work you do, for safety in the drivers’ cab and on the road, the voice that seeks to relieve the pressure on the driver pushed by clients’ incessant cries for increased productivity for the same rates and conditions. It is obvious we still have a long way to go – we have been through countless road, freight and transport ministers and nothing changes. Truck drivers are still dying at work. It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong government policy in place,

A final reminder to all Big Down Rigs now islettuce the time to 1 readers: Long-leaved unite, now is the time to ensure 2 Combines equality in this industry. 3 Together Make awe hole in can stand on 4 Encountered common ground working to 5 Unsuitable ensure the government contin6 toHomo sapiens ues support transport work7 and Bringthe intoindustry being they ers support. 10 Weary TWU willcow continue to 13The Call of the voice the needs of transport 14 Recess workers to the 16 Rounded vaseemployers, their industry bodies and the 17 Hidden clients. 18Better Duelling sword standards mean job 20 Fixed security andgaze ultimately a safer 23 fairer Lyricindustry poems for all. and 25We Opening can lift the standards we 26 Nothing need together – our lives depend it. 28 on Cleaning implement

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WHAT’S ON 41

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

Save the date: 2021 events

April Livestock Transport Handlers Workshop April 7-8 Roma Saleyards, Queensland Visit: www.lrtaq.com.au/events/ Livestock businesses operating in the Maranoa region will have the opportunity to develop their cattle handling and transport skills over two free workshops with renowned industry expert Tom Shephard. They will focus on understanding cattle behaviour, handling techniques for road transport, safer work practices and animal health and welfare.

later than April 12. Any member of the QTA unable to be present at the Annual General Meeting of the association may appoint a Proxy.

LRTAQ 2021 Annual Conference April 9-11 Roma Explorers Inn Visit: lrtaq.com.au The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) invites you to join them as they mark their milestone 40th anniversary. Fittingly, we are headed back to where it all started – Roma – the location of the very first meeting of the then LTAQ back in 1981.

TWAL Conference May 28-30 Epping, Victoria Visit: transportwomen.com.au The eighth Transport Women Australia Limited Conference will be emceed by Melissa Strong of Lindsay Australia. She will be joined by various speakers including Kerrie Challenor of NTI and Jodie Palmer of Volvo Group Australia.

QTA AGM April 15 Emporium Hotel, South Bank Visit: qta.com.au For catering purposes, registrations must be received no

May Brisbane Truck Show May 13-16 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Visit: brisbanetruckshow.com.au It’s full steam ahead for the Brisbane Truck Show, which will feature some of the latest trucks, trailers, components and equipment, showcasing an array of ground-breaking technology solutions.

July Burrumbuttock Hay Run July 8-10 Illfracombe, Queensland Visit: www.facebook.com/burrumbuttockhayrunners After having to postpone the annual Australia Day hay

run, the Burrumbuttock Hay Run will return, with around 300 prime movers and 500 trailers expected to take part.

August Casino Truck Show August 7 Casino, NSW Visit: casinotruckshow.com.au From 10am the truck parade will roll through Johnston and Centre Streets. Registrations are open from 6am and take place at the Casino Industrial Area on the town’s east side. Other highlights include live music, amusements and markets, and over $12,000 in cash and prizes. For further information, email info@casinotruckshow. com.au. September MEGATRANS September 8-10 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Visit: megatrans.com.au MEGATRANS is Australia’s leading industry freight and logistics trade exhibition and conference, showcasing multimodal transport solutions. For the first time, MEGATRANS will be held in conjunction with the specialised bulk handling expo, Australian Bulk Handling Expo 2021, with both events taking place side by side.

After having to postpone the annual Australia Day hay run, the date is set for the Burrumbuttock Hay Run. Picture: Facebook

Australasian Road Safety Conference September 28-30 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Visit: australasianroadsafetyconference.com.au The 2021 Australasian Road Safety Conference will combine a mixture of in-person and online delivery to ensure people can be involved regardless of any travel restrictions that may be in place. The event aims to align with road safety efforts across Australia, New Zealand and globally, and assist in building road safety capacity. Trucking Australia 2021 September 29 – October 1 Gold Coast, Queensland Visit: new.truck.net.au/ta/ The date is set for the Trucking Australia confer-

The Lights on the Hill memorial service will be held on October 3 at the Lake Apex Memorial Wall. Picture: Facebook

ence, presented by the Australian Trucking Association, with further details and VIP conference packages to be released soon. October Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy October 2-3 Gatton, Qld Visit: lightsonthehill.com.au The memorial convoy gives drivers and their families an opportunity to get together with other truckies in a social environment whilst making the public aware that truckies are the backbone of the country. November Illawarra Convoy November 21 Illawarra, NSW Visit: illawarraconvoy.com.au

The i98 Illawarra Convoy and Family Fun Day is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the southern hemisphere, raising much needed funds for various charities. Brisbane Convoy for Kids and Truck Show November 6 Redcliffe Showgrounds, Queensland Visit: brisbaneconvoyforkids. com.au Raising money for Hummingbird House, the truck and bike convoy will run from Forest Lake to Redcliffe Showgrounds, where there will be a truck show with awards that include everything from Best Decorated Truck to Best Dressed Driver. The evening will culminate in a fireworks display.

The largest truck and motorbike convoy returns to the streets of Illawarra in November.

42 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Young gun secures soughtafter Qld apprenticeship TAFE Queensland Automotive student Kade Dupere has secured a highly competitive and sought-after diesel fitting apprenticeship with wellknown national equipment supplier Hastings Deering. The 17-year-old applied for the role in mid-2020 while completing Year 12 at Redeemer Lutheran College, which included a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation through the TAFE at School program. Hastings Deering received a total of 2695 applications and Dupere is among the youngest new recruits. He joined 38 others from across Queensland and the Northern Territory for his first week of work at the machinery giant’s Brisbane headquarters for two weeks of induction training. “I decided to apply for a diesel fitting apprenticeship with Hastings Deering because they’re a company who values their employees. They also have a strong dedication to safety, which is so important, especially in the mining and construction industry,”

Kade Dupere, 17, is one of the youngest to secure an apprenticeship with Hastings Deering in 2021.

Dupere said. “Although there is never a guarantee when it comes to employment, I feel diesel fitting is a trade that will always provide work in most parts of the world.” Hastings Deering’s class of 2021 is quite diverse. At 46, Warren Kaerger from Rockhampton is the oldest –

proving you’re never too old to learn new skills. Hastings Deering Chief Operating Officer Mark Scott said apprenticeships continued to be highly sought after with applications up 30 per cent on 2020, which was also a record year. “The diesel fitter apprenticeship is clearly the appli-

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cant’s preferred trade across all our locations,” Scott said. “Our focus was again to target a diverse range of people for our apprenticeship program which has been showing significant success. “Mackay and Rockhampton apprentices again dominated the cohort. This is driven both by the calibre of

the applicants as well as our pipeline of work in the regions, linked to the resources’ sector as well as supporting the construction industry. “Hastings Deering continues to take a long-term view when it comes to investing in the training and development of its people and working with world-class Caterpillar machinery. Our apprentices learn about the repair, servicing and maintenance of a massive range of equipment, engines and power systems.” Dupere became interested in mechanics at an early age having spent much of his youth helping his grandfather out on the family farm. His automotive interests motivated him to study a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation at TAFE Queensland which Kade said helped him to gain an insight into what it’s like to work in the automotive trade. “The Certificate also provided me with a lot of knowledge about how engines and heavy machinery work. It really prepared me for what

it’s like to be an apprentice,” he said. The TAFE at School program allowed Dupere to spend one day per week at the TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge campus while still completing Year 12. TAFE Queensland teacher Jason Carr said that the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation is designed to prepare students for careers in the light and heavy automotive industries. “Many of our students go on to be offered apprenticeships and entry level positions in the automotive industry. The Certificate provides students with the basic knowledge and skills they need to become job ready,” Carr said. “The feedback we receive from employers is that they prefer candidates who can prove they are serious about their trade careers.” Dupere said he’s very happy to have secured an apprenticeship with Hastings Deering and hopes to remain within the company after his apprenticeship.

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CAREERS AND TRAINING 43

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY APRIL 2 2021

NSW livestock truckie on the road to success

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

LIVESTOCK truckie Matthew Benseman has been named the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) 2021 SafeWork NSW Young Driver of the Year. The 33-year-old has been in the trucking game for the past decade, joining Maloney Livestock Transport in 2018, after successful stints with Woods Transport and Stockmaster. These days, you’ll find him behind the wheel of a shiny new Kenworth T659, which he was given the keys to just before Christmas last year. A new set of Byrne trailers are also coming his way. Originally from New Zealand, Benseman came to Australia for a working holiday. After meeting his partner, he decided to stay – and he hasn’t looked back. He now lives in Westdale in Tamworth, NSW. “I started out working on a farm and doing a bit of casual truck driving, so I thought I’d give it a go full time,” he said.

Matthew Benseman plans to put his Young Driver of the Year prize to good use.

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol

Though his family aren’t involved in trucking, his partner’s brother and father both cart livestock, and he decided to try it out too. In his role with Maloney’s, Benseman carts mainly sheep, as well as a bit of cattle, to an abattoir in Frederickton, NSW, which is not too far from Kempsey. “I didn’t know what to expect when I started carting livestock but I enjoy going to work with my dogs and I enjoy carting sheep. You get a bit of responsibility in running your own show and being on the road, meeting new people and going new places,” explained Benseman. “Maloney’s is a really good company to work for. They encourage young drivers and don’t mind teaching you things. They have experienced drivers there who are happy to give us advice and help when necessary.” Director of Maloney Livestock Transport Mick Maloney said Benseman has a good habit of looking at the big picture and is an excellent employee with a no

MALONEY’S IS A REALLY GOOD COMPANY TO WORK FOR. THEY ENCOURAGE YOUNG DRIVERS AND DON’T MIND TEACHING YOU THINGS. THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS THERE WHO ARE HAPPY TO GIVE US ADVICE AND HELP WHEN NECESSARY. MATTHEW BENSEMAN

fuss approach to his work. On being named the LBRCA Young Driver of the Year, Benseman said it was an honour to be nominated and a surprise to win. As part of his prize, he has won a $5,000 trip to a destination of his choice. He is hoping to put this towards a trip to the United States but this will depend on whether or not Covid-19 restrictions ease over the next 12 months. “If the States are a no-go, then I’ll probably go to WA,” he said.

FOR

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. . We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week. The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Leanne Braid (Operations Manager) or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Michael MacRae (Workshop Manager) via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

VOLVO FH600

2013 Model, lot of custom work. Full history comes with cab respray. $170,000 inc GST *Also 2016/17 Models avail.

UD CK10

2013 Model, Auto G/Box, only done light work. Very well maintained, tidy unit. 10 PLT Tautliner body. Sold Unreg’d as is where is. $40,000 inc GST

WESTERN STAR 4864FXB 2014 Model, DD15, Eaton ultra shift, cab respray. $170,000 inc GST *Also set of 2015 Models avail.

Full Service History avail on all Models. Email: kenny3@kseaster.com.au | Phone: 0418 724 950

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